NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Saints have added depth to their backfield by signing former Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to the practice squad, the team announced Wednesday. The move comes as uncertainty looms over star running back Alvin Kamara’s availability for Monday’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Kamara left Sunday’s game with a groin injury, and his status remains unclear.
Edwards-Helaire, 25, is returning to Louisiana, where he first rose to prominence as a standout for LSU. A first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, he helped lead LSU to a national championship, rushing for 110 yards and catching five passes for 54 yards in their 42-25 win over Clemson in the Superdome. Despite an impressive rookie season with the Chiefs, where he rushed for 803 yards and four touchdowns, injuries and depth chart changes have limited his production in recent years.
The Chiefs waived Edwards-Helaire on Monday after he began the season on the non-football illness list and did not appear in any games this season. His time in Kansas City included two Super Bowl victories, but also personal challenges stemming from a 2018 incident at LSU. Edwards-Helaire was involved in an attempted robbery that resulted in the death of an 18-year-old man. No charges were filed, but the traumatic experience contributed to his struggles with PTSD during his NFL career.
Now with the Saints, Edwards-Helaire has an opportunity to rejuvenate his career in a familiar setting. His addition brings depth and experience to the roster as New Orleans navigates Kamara’s injury and their push for postseason success.
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