Attention Kansas City Chiefs fans, the start of the NFL season is upon us, and it’s shaping up to be an exhilarating ride.

However, the Chiefs are facing a notable adjustment as they head into the season with a thinner backfield.

The team has placed Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the reserve Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.

This move sidelines Edwards-Helaire for at least the first four games of the season, which could have a significant impact on the team’s offensive strategy.

In Edwards-Helaire’s absence, Isaiah Pacheco is set to step up as the primary running back.

Pacheco, who demonstrated his capability last season, will be expected to carry the bulk of the workload.

Meanwhile, undrafted rookie Carson Steele, who impressed coaches during training camp and preseason, has earned a spot on the roster.

Steele’s inclusion could provide additional depth and versatility in the backfield.

Edwards-Helaire’s placement on the NFI list comes after he missed considerable time during training camp and Sunday’s practice. The decision to put him on the list was not entirely unexpected.

As noted by Yates’ colleague Adam Schefter, Edwards-Helaire entered the NFL with high expectations as the top running back in his draft class, having been selected 32nd overall in 2020.

He made an impressive debut, amassing 1,100 scrimmage yards in his rookie year. However, his usage and production have declined each season since.

Despite these challenges, Edwards-Helaire opted to remain with the Chiefs on a one-year deal, which includes $11.33 million guaranteed and could reach up to $11.7 million.

Last season, he played only 22% of the offensive snaps, and the team decided not to re-sign Jerick McKinnon, which could have opened up an opportunity for Edwards-Helaire to expand his role as a pass catcher in 2024.

However, the addition of veteran Samaje Perine, who caught 50 passes last year with the Denver Broncos, suggests that Perine will likely take on third-down duties.

This move could further limit Edwards-Helaire’s opportunities, especially in a season where he needs to make a strong impact to secure a future contract with the Chiefs or enhance his prospects in the 2025 free-agent market.

Pacheco, who carried the ball 205 times last season, is expected to continue as the workhorse, particularly on early downs.

In addition to Pacheco and Steele, Perine will offer support in the backfield, ensuring that the Chiefs’ running game remains robust despite Edwards-Helaire’s absence.

The news about Edwards-Helaire’s injury and subsequent placement on the NFI list casts a shadow over the start of the season.

It raises questions about the team’s ability to adapt and perform at their best without one of their key running backs.

As the season progresses, the Chiefs will need to rely on the depth of their roster and the performance of their new and existing players to navigate this challenge.

The impact of Edwards-Helaire’s absence will be closely watched as the Chiefs aim to continue their success from previous seasons.

Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how the team adapts and whether Pacheco, Steele, and Perine can fill the void effectively.

The Chiefs have a talented roster, but this development adds a layer of uncertainty that could influence their performance throughout the season.

As the season unfolds, Chiefs fans will need to stay tuned and watch how the team responds to this setback.

The resilience and adaptability of the Chiefs will be tested, and the contributions of the remaining running backs will be crucial in maintaining the team’s competitive edge.

Despite the challenges, the Chiefs’ commitment to success and the depth of their roster offer hope that they can overcome this hurdle and continue to perform at a high level.