Chiefs place running back on injured reserve

The defending champions will have to embark on their stretch run this year without a notable offensive weapon.

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Sunday that they have placed running back Jerick McKinnon on injured reserve. As a result, McKinnon will miss at least the next four games (Kansas City’s three final regular season contests and a playoff game).

McKinnon, who is working through a groin injury, was one of the Chiefs’ top playmakers during last year’s Super Bowl-winning season. He had nine receiving touchdowns in the regular season and a number of big plays in the playoffs as well.

Though he had taken a bit of a step back this season with Isiah Pacheco gaining a stranglehold on the starting job and Clyde Edwards-Helaire contributing as well, McKinnon had maintained a strong impact on passing downs with four receiving TDs in 12 games. Now Kansas City will have to survive well into the new year without him.