Chiefs activate Edwards-Helaire, place Hardman on IR

The Kansas City Chiefs activated running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and placed wide receiver Mecole Hardman on injured reserve, the team announced Monday.

Kansas City opened the 21-day practice window to activate Edwards-Helaire on January 17. The 23-year-old suffered a high ankle sprain during the Chiefs' Week 11 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

The 2020 first-round tailback saw his role within the offense diminish behind Jerick McKinnon and rookie Isiah Pacheco. Edwards-Helaire has rushed for a career-low 302 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 4.3 yards per carry through 10 games in 2022.

Meanwhile, Hardman will have to watch his teammates in the Super Bowl as a spectator. He missed the final nine games of the regular season and the divisional playoff win over the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an abdominal strain. The former Pro Bowl wideout returned to the Chiefs' lineup for the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals, recording two catches for 10 yards before exiting the contest with a pelvis injury.

Hardman was listed as doubtful for the Super Bowl after missing practice last week. He concluded the regular season with 25 receptions, 297 yards, and four touchdowns.