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The Kansas City Chiefs came away with a victory in a dramatic Week 11 finish against the Los Angeles Chargers. Unfortunately, injuries claimed a few casualties from an already depleted roster of offensive skill players.
Third-year running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter that kept him out for the remainder of the game. Head coach Andy Reid later revealed the early diagnosis of a high ankle sprain for CEH.
Clyde’s fantasy value was already in a downward spiral, but many fantasy managers were holding out hope for him to resurface in a high-powered Chiefs offense. Should you continue to ride with Clyde in fantasy football or does the injury leave him destined for the waivers?
How Has Clyde Edwards-Helaire Performed in Fantasy Football in 2022?
Clyde Edwards-Helaire has seen his workload gradually diminish with the addition of rookie Isiah Pacheco to the backfield. Pacheco officially surpassed Edwards-Helaire on the depth chart in Week 7 and out-carried CEH 44-12 in four subsequent games as the starter.
Clyde averaged 12.88 half-PPR fantasy points through Week 6 before Pacheco took over the starting gig. Excluding the Week 11 game cut short by the injury, Clyde’s average dropped to 3.87 points per game in Weeks 7-10.
CEH recorded zero carries during a Week 10 game in which Pacheco led the way with 16. In Week 11, the offense appeared to be scheming more work for Clyde as he logged two first-quarter carries before sustaining the ankle injury. Any absence could further challenge the team’s dedication to CEH if Pacheco capitalizes on the opportunity for more volume.
What is Clyde Edwards-Helaire's Fantasy Football Outlook? How Should CEH and Isiah Pacheco be Valued Ahead of Week 12?
While the extent of Clyde’s injury has yet to be revealed, it is safe to assume that he will miss some time. Pacheco is capable of carrying a heavy workload with Jerick McKinnon mixing in as the primary receiving back, so the team isn’t expected to rush Clyde back onto the field. He may retain value as a late-season handcuff if Pacheco were to suffer an injury, but you’ll likely find a better current use for the roster spot.
Isiah Pacheco was already trending up, but his fantasy value continues to rise as we anticipate even less competition for carries. Look for Ronald Jones to absorb a few touches if CEH is inactive, but he should remain off the fantasy radar for now.
Pacheco is a preferred option in non-PPR formats as low receiving volume restricts his fantasy potential. Start him with confidence as a flex play with RB2 upside when he eventually finds the end zone.
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