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Facing a Steelers defense that was allowing the most yards before contact, there was a lot of hope that Clyde Edwards-Helaire would be able to have a monster performance in Week 16. After an early impressive touchdown, he was off to a fast start:
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Is Clyde Edwards-Helaire playing this week? If not, who stands to benefit instead. Let's dive into that, and what the backfield will look like if he does miss time.
Is Clyde Edwards-Helaire Playing This Week Against the Bengals?
As of Friday afternoon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was officially downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a shoulder injury.
He could not practice this week and was ultimately ruled out for Week 17. This is an update to the previous news and reports from earlier in the week which are below.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire Injury Updates
After being forced from last week's game with a shoulder injury, it's unknown if Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be able to play in Week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals. However based on the reports we have seen thus far, we wouldn't count on Edwards-Helaire playing this week so you'll want to have a backup plan in place for your fantasy rosters.
The good news for Edwards-Helaire is that, according to multiple reports, he didn't suffer a season-ending injury. The Chiefs play at 1 pm ET, and there isn't a Thursday Night game, so it should be relatively easy to make a swap if you have another running back you have confidence in.
Should I Start Darrel Williams Against the Bengals?
Just like the last time Edwards-Helaire was injured, I expect Darrel Williams to be the lead back if CEH misses this week's game. Based on his previous usage in that lead role, we could be looking at a high-end RB2 this week. In the five games Edwards-Helaire missed earlier this season, here was how Williams was used:
- Week 6: 21 carries, 4 targets, 19.9 PFF expected fantasy points
- Week 7: 5 carries, 3 targets, 5.2 PFF expected fantasy points
- Week 8: 13 carries, 6 targets, 14.5 PFF expected fantasy points
- Week 9: 19 carries, 4 targets, 20.7 PFF expected fantasy points
- Week 10: 11 carries, 9 targets, 21.9 PFF expected fantasy points
Outside of one game against the Titans in Week 7 where they fell behind early, the Chiefs utilized Williams as an RB1. Strangely, this is better usage that Edwards-Helaire generally sees, as Williams is more involved in the passing game.
The Bengals are allowing the fourth-most receptions to running backs this season, and I can see Williams thriving as a result. If you're lucky enough to have him on your roster, start him with confidence this week.
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