KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs are officially without their starting running back for at least three weeks.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who suffered an MCL sprain in Sunday night's loss to the Buffalo Bills, was placed on injured reserve, the Chiefs announced Tuesday.
By placing the second-year pro on injured reserve, the Chiefs give Edwards-Helaire time to fully recover and themselves time to evaluate his progress. Edwards-Helaire must spend a minimum of three weeks on injured reserve before he can be designated as "return to practice," which opens a 21-day window for the team to decide to activate him to their 53-player roster.
Edwards-Helaire has rushed for team-high 304 yards on 65 carries through five games. He also has 61 yards receiving and two touchdowns on eight catches.
The Chiefs elevated running back Derrick Gore from their practice squad. The 5-foot-10, 212-pound Gore spent time with the Chiefs last offseason and impressed them during the preseason with a 56-yard touchdown reception in the preseason finale.
Gore joins Darrel Williams, who is likely to assume the featured role during Edwards-Helaire's absence, and Jerick McKinnon as options in the Chiefs' backfield.
The Chiefs also waived wide receiver Daurice Fountan and elevated tackle Prince Tega Wanogho from the practice squad.
Fountain joined the Chiefs during the offseason after a successful tryout during rookie minicamp. He had a strong training camp and made the team's initial 53-player roster but was not activated for a regular-season game this season.
