Jerick McKinnon Sidelined with Hamstring for the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs’ running back room has hit a snag late in the 2024 NFL season, as versatile veteran Jerick McKinnon has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. The issue, which occurred during the Chiefs’ Week 16 practice, forced McKinnon to miss their critical matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals—and has raised concerns about his availability for the final regular-season game and the upcoming playoffs. McKinnon, who has been a key contributor in both the running and passing game, leaves a noticeable void in an offense that relies on his flexibility to keep defenses off balance. Jerick McKinnon Sidelined with Hamstring for the Kansas City Chiefs explores the details of his injury, his impact on the Chiefs’ offense, the players tasked with replacing him, and what his absence means for Kansas City’s playoff aspirations. For the Chiefs, losing McKinnon isn’t just about losing a running back—it’s about losing a Swiss Army knife who fills multiple roles on offense.

Jerick McKinnon Sidelined with Hamstring for the Kansas City Chiefs begins with the timeline and severity of the injury. According to Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, McKinnon suffered a “mild to moderate” hamstring strain during a routine drill, where he was running a route out of the backfield. Initial tests ruled out a complete tear, but team trainers recommended rest and rehabilitation to avoid a more serious injury. Reid stated that McKinnon would be sidelined for 2–3 weeks, putting his availability for the Chiefs’ Week 18 regular-season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders in doubt—and making his status for the first round of the playoffs a question mark. “Jerick’s a tough kid, but we have to be smart here,” Reid said in a press conference. “Hamstring injuries can linger if you rush them, and we don’t want to lose him for the long haul. We’ll take it day by day, but right now, he’s out.” McKinnon’s injury comes at a critical time: the Chiefs are fighting to secure a top-two seed in the AFC, and his playmaking has been instrumental in closing out tight games this season—including a game-winning touchdown run against the Denver Broncos in Week 11.

A key reason McKinnon’s absence stings for the Chiefs is the unique role he plays in their offense. Unlike starter Isiah Pacheco, who excels at between-the-tackles rushing, McKinnon is a pass-catching specialist who adds a dynamic layer to Kansas City’s passing attack. This season, McKinnon has caught 38 passes for 312 yards and 4 touchdowns, often lining up as a slot receiver or mismatch weapon against slower linebackers. He’s also a reliable third-down back, converting 72% of his third-down carries for first downs—ranking among the top 10 running backs in the NFL in that category. His ability to handle both rushing and receiving duties keeps defenses guessing: in the Chiefs’ Week 14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, McKinnon had 5 carries for 32 yards and 4 catches for 45 yards, including a crucial 15-yard reception on third-and-10 that extended a game-winning drive. “Jerick is our safety valve,” said Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. “When defenses drop back to stop the pass, he can run between the tackles. When they load the box, he can slip out and catch a pass. Losing that flexibility hurts.” Without McKinnon, the Chiefs lose a player who bridges the gap between their running and passing games—a gap that will be hard to fill with a single replacement.

Jerick McKinnon Sidelined with Hamstring for the Kansas City Chiefs also highlights the specific gaps the Chiefs must address in his absence, starting with third-down offense. McKinnon has been the Chiefs’ primary third-down back all season, and his absence leaves a question mark for how Kansas City will handle short-yardage passing situations. In third-and-5 or longer, McKinnon’s route-running ability and sure hands made him a go-to target for Mahomes; without him, the Chiefs may have to rely more on tight ends Travis Kelce or Noah Gray, or shift wide receivers into the backfield. This adjustment could make the offense more predictable, as defenses will know to key in on Kelce if a third-down pass is coming. For the Kansas City Chiefs, this predictability is a concern—especially against playoff-caliber defenses like the Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills, who excel at game-planning for specific personnel groupings. “Third down is where we win games, and Jerick was a big part of that,” said Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. “We’ll have to mix things up, but there’s no denying we’re losing a key piece here.”

Another challenge for the Chiefs is replacing McKinnon’s leadership in the running back room. As a 10-year NFL veteran, McKinnon has been a mentor to younger backs like Pacheco and rookie Deneric Prince, sharing insights on pass protection, route-running, and handling the pressure of playing for a championship-contending team. His presence in meetings and on the practice field has helped Pacheco develop into a more well-rounded back, and his calm demeanor has been a stabilizing force during tight games. “Jerick’s been like a big brother to me,” Pacheco said. “He teaches me little things—like how to read a blitz or adjust a route at the line—that make a huge difference. Not having him out there will be tough, both on and off the field.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this leadership void is just as impactful as the on-field production loss. Younger players will need to step up not just in terms of performance, but also in terms of guiding the unit through McKinnon’s absence. The Chiefs’ coaching staff will likely lean on running backs coach Andy Heck to fill some of this leadership gap, holding extra film sessions and one-on-one meetings with Pacheco and Prince.

Jerick McKinnon Sidelined with Hamstring for the Kansas City Chiefs concludes with the Chiefs’ path forward and McKinnon’s potential playoff availability. The team has turned to Deneric Prince as McKinnon’s primary replacement, with Prince seeing increased snaps in Week 16 against the Bengals (he had 8 carries for 35 yards and 2 catches for 18 yards). While Prince has shown flashes of talent—including a 40-yard run in Week 12—he lacks McKinnon’s experience and versatility, making it likely the Chiefs will use a committee approach, with Pacheco handling more carries and Kelce taking on additional third-down receiving duties. As for McKinnon, the Chiefs are hopeful he can return for the playoffs, but they’re not rushing him. “We want Jerick back when he’s 100%,” Reid said. “If that’s for the first round, great. If it’s later, we’ll adjust. The playoffs are a marathon, not a sprint.” For the Kansas City Chiefs organization and fans, McKinnon’s injury is a reminder of the fragility of the NFL season—but it’s also an opportunity for other players to step up. In the end, the Chiefs’ ability to overcome McKinnon’s absence will depend on their adaptability—a trait that has defined their success in recent years. Whether McKinnon returns or not, the Chiefs remain a playoff threat—but his presence would 无疑 make their offense more dangerous when it matters most.