The Chiefs re-signed McKinnon on Tuesday, ESPN's Field Yates reports.
Analysis: Kansas City did nothing to address its running back room in free agency or the draft and is reuniting with McKinnon to pair with Isiah Pacheco atop the depth chart. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will open training camp as a distant No. 3 back. McKinnon caught a whopping nine touchdowns last season after entering 2022 with seven of them in his previous 87 career contests. It's not sustainable, but McKinnon should remain heavily involved as a pass-catching complement after seeing 71 targets last year.
May 2, 2023 11:28 AM EST
Chiefs GM Brett Veach said Monday that he "wouldn't be surprised" if the team re-signs McKinnon soon, Jordan Foote of Arrowhead Report reports.
Analysis: Ian Rapoport of NFL Network expects it to happen, and Veach himself mentioned the possibility less than two weeks ago. McKinnon turns 31 on Wednesday, and while he's lost much of the athleticism that made him a Workout Warrior and third-round pick back in 2014, the Chiefs seem to like what he offers on passing downs. He was the team's primary receiving back at times in 2021, then took over the role on a more permanent basis in 2022 en route to a 56-512-9 receiving line and 72-291-1 rushing line. It'll be a major surprise if he approaches double-digit TDs again, but McKinnon could have some fantasy value if he locks down a similar role, particularly in PPR leagues. Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire again appear to be the primary competition for backfield snaps, as the Chiefs didn't draft any running backs and haven't signed any veterans this offseason.
May 1, 2023 11:14 AM EST
Chiefs GM Brett Veach said Thursday that he'll talk with McKinnon after the NFL Draft, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports. "He's certainly a guy that we love," Veach said. "Jerick likes to take his time and make sure he's ready to go."
Analysis: The Chiefs have only three running backs on their roster ahead of the draft and seemingly will consider re-signing McKinnon if the soon-to-be 32-year-old wants to play another season. While he doesn't offer much in terms of elusiveness or explosiveness at this point in his career, McKinnon's reliable hands and firm grasp of the KC offense mad him the preferred option on passing downs for part of 2021 and most of 2022. He parlayed the role into a 56-512-9 receiving line, albeit with only 72-291-1 on the ground while Isiah Pacheco handled most of the carries. Apart from Pacheco, the Chiefs have Clyde Edwards-Helaire and La'Mical Perine under contract ahead of the draft.
Apr 20, 2023 10:44 AM EST
McKinnon tallied two rushes for six yards and hauled in 2 of 3 targets for no gain but scored a touchdown during Saturday's 31-13 victory against Las Vegas.
Analysis: McKinnon didn't turn in his best fantasy effort of the bunch to close out the regular season, but he did extend his touchdown streak to six consecutive games with a receiving score against the Raiders, marking his eighth receiving touchdown over that span. He also added one rushing touchdown in that six-game stretch, giving him nine scores overall after tallying just one through the first 11 games. He figures to remain involved in Kansas City's backfield for the postseason run, presumably sharing reps with Isiah Pacheco and possibly Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) if he's cleared to return.
Jan 10, 2023 8:55 AM EST
McKinnon rushed twice for four yards but brought in five of six targets for 52 yards and two touchdowns in the Chiefs' 27-24 win over the Broncos on Sunday.
Analysis: McKinnon's notable contributions unsurprisingly came through the air, with the elite pass-catching back scoring from six and three yards out in the second and fourth quarters, respectively. McKinnon now has seven receiving touchdowns in the last five contests, giving him plenty of momentum heading into a Week 18 road battle against the Raiders that he should see action in considering the Chiefs will still be battling for the top seed in the AFC.
Jan 1, 2023 3:30 PM EST
McKinnon rushed five times for seven yards and caught all three of his targets for 31 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 24-10 win over Seattle.
Analysis: McKinnon was bottled up on the ground, but he was able to provide his fifth receiving touchdown -- and sixth overall -- over his last four games. Isiah Pacheco (90 yards on 15 touches) did the heavy lifting on early downs, but McKinnon's nose for the end zone as a receiver salvaged a down rushing performance. The 30-year-old is on an incredible hot streak and warrants starting until he cools off, but fantasy managers should be wary of the dud potential with a player is obviously very touchdown dependent. McKinnon will attempt to keep his scoring streak going against the Broncos next Sunday.
Dec 24, 2022 4:06 PM EST
McKinnon rushed 10 times for 52 yards and a touchdown and rushed eight times for 70 yards and another score in the Chiefs' 30-24 overtime win over the Texans on Sunday.
Analysis: The versatile veteran played an outsized role in the division-clinching win for the Chiefs, with both his first-quarter game-tying 20-yard receiving touchdown and 26-yard game-sealing score serving as the difference in the surprisingly hard-fought contest. McKinnon's productive afternoon came on the heels of a Week 14 performance versus the Broncos that saw him post a 7-112-2 line through the air. McKinnon's diverse skill set figures to continue proving key to the Chiefs' success, especially while Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) remains on injured reserve.
Dec 18, 2022 2:11 PM EST
McKinnon carried the ball six times for 22 yards and caught seven of nine targets for 112 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 34-28 win over the Broncos.
Analysis: The running back set the tone for another huge performance by the Kansas City offense in the second quarter, catching a grenade toss-like pass from Patrick Mahomes right along the sideline and taking it 56 yards to the house. McKinnon then capped the team's next possession with a 10-yard TD catch. Rookie Isiah Pacheco remains the primary early-down back for Kansas City, but both RBs figure to be productive in Week 15 against a Texans defense that just coughed up 143 combined yards and three touchdowns to the Cowboys duo of Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott.
Dec 11, 2022 5:35 PM EST
McKinnon carried the ball eight times for 51 yards and caught both his targets for nine yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Bengals.
Analysis: The 60 scrimmage yards were his highest total since Week 5, while his two-yard TD catch in the second quarter was his second trip to the end zone of the year. McKinnon remains behind rookie Isaiah Pacheco in the backfield pecking order, but he's still capable of delivering useful fantasy numbers in Kansas City's high-powered offense. McKinnon will look to make an impact again in Week 14 against the Broncos.
Dec 4, 2022 8:04 PM EST
McKinnon (hamstring) practiced fully Friday and doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game at Cincinnati.
Analysis: For four straight weeks, McKinnon has dealt with a number of health concerns, but a strained hamstring is the issue that has followed him into Week 13 prep. After sitting out practice both Wednesday and Thursday, he handled every rep at Friday's session, thus clearing him to be available to the Chiefs backfield Sunday. However, McKinnon won't have much more than a complementary role behind Isiah Pacheco, which has amounted to seven carries for 26 yards, 10 catches (on 15 targets) for 82 yards and no touchdowns over the last three contests.
Dec 2, 2022 1:45 PM EST
McKinnon (hamstring) returned to practice Friday, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.
Analysis: Sweeney indicated that it sounds like McKinnon should be available Sunday against the Bengals, but Friday's final injury report will clarify whether or not the running back heads into the weekend carrying a Week 13 injury designation.
Dec 2, 2022 11:28 AM EST
McKinnon (hamstring) won't practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.
Analysis: McKinnon, who is dealing with a hamstring issue, also missed practice Wednesday, so the running back's status for Sunday's game against the Bengals is currently uncertain. If McKinnon is unable to play this weekend, Ronald Jones is available to handle complementary snaps behind Isiah Pacheco, while newcomer Melvin Gordon is a candidate to be elevated from the Chiefs' practice squad in advance of Week 13 action.
Dec 1, 2022 10:05 AM EST
McKinnon (hamstring) won't practice Wednesday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.
Analysis: The report indicates that McKinnon is dealing with a hamstring strain, but if the running back is able to move past the issue, he'd be in line to work in a change-of-pace/pass-catching role this Sunday against the Bengals, alongside lead back Isiah Pacheco, with Ronald Jones and possibly Melvin Gordon (currently on the practice squad) also candidates to mix in.
Nov 30, 2022 10:13 AM EST
McKinnon didn't carry the ball but hauled in 3 of 6 targets for 26 yards during Sunday's 26-10 win against the Rams.
Analysis: McKinnon remains in a rotational backfield role with Isaiah Pacheco. Instead of it becoming a two-man backfield committee with Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) sidelined, Ronald Jones has joined the mix and saw more rushing attempts (four) than McKinnon. McKinnon should remain the primary receiving threat out of the backfield, but it doesn't appear he will benefit much from CEH's absence.
Nov 29, 2022 8:22 AM EST
McKinnon (hamstring/shoulder) was a full practice participant Wednesday, while backfield mate Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) was placed on injured reserve.
Analysis: Isiah Pacheco had already replaced Edwards-Helaire as the starter and lead runner, but CEH was still getting some snaps that might otherwise go to Pacheco or McKinnon. The Chiefs may now be down to a two-way split in the backfield, unless they plan to give Ronald Jones some touches after he spent the first half of the season as a healthy scratch. Whatever the case, McKinnon should continue to get most of the snaps in clear passing situations and may also pick up a few extra carries.
Nov 23, 2022 2:41 PM EST
McKinnon tallied six rushes for 24 yards and gathered in their only target for zero yards during Sunday's 30-27 win over the Chargers.
Analysis: While McKinnon's seen touches equaled the seven he saw last week, only one came via reception for no yardage. However, he could be in line for an expanded role behind Isiah Pacheco, given the news that Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered a high-ankle sprain during Sunday's game. McKinnon's six totes were his most since week five versus the Raiders.
Nov 22, 2022 3:22 PM EST
McKinnon (hamstring/shoulder) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Chargers.
Analysis: McKinnon avoided the final injury report despite being limited in all three of Kansas City's practices during the week. He'll remain part of a running back rotation alongside lead back Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire against the Chargers on SNF.
Nov 18, 2022 12:11 PM EST
McKinnon (hamstring/shoulder) remained limited at practice Thursday.
Analysis: McKinnon has now logged back-to-back limited sessions, so the running back will presumably need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid an injury designation ahead of Sunday night's game against the Chargers. If he's available for the contest, McKinnon would be in line to continue to work in a change-of-pace/pass-catching role in Kansas City's Week 11 backfield behind starter Isiah Pacheco.
Nov 17, 2022 2:19 PM EST
McKinnon (hamstring/shoulder) was limited at practice Wednesday.
Analysis: Heading into this past Sunday's win over the Jaguars, McKinnon was deemed questionable as he dealt with with listed shoulder, knee and hamstring issues. However, the running back suited up and parlayed his 24 snaps (while working behind Isiah Pacheco, 35 snaps/16 carries) into one carry for two yards and six catches on eight targets for 56 yards. With no reported setbacks in the contest, McKinnon's Wednesday limitations may well have been maintenance-related and if that's the case, he should continue to see enough change-of-pace work this weekend against the Chargers to merit Week 11 lineup attention in PPR formats.
Nov 16, 2022 2:36 PM EST
McKinnon posted one rush for two yards and caught 6 of 8 targets for 56 yards during Sunday's 27-17 win versus Jacksonville.
Analysis: McKinnon reeled in six passes for a second consecutive week, though the production came on fewer than half the total snaps than the 57 he played last week versus the Titans. Regardless, McKinnon has been targeted 16 times in the last pair of games, becoming one of Patrick Mahomes' favorite options in the passing game, tying JuJu Smith-Schuster for the second-most targets in the last two weeks behind Travis Kelce. However, he hasn't rushed the ball more than three times in any of the previous four games, has just one touchdown all season, and hadn't reeled in more than three passes in a game before the last two. So, McKinnon's output can vary widely, and his primary value comes in PPR formats.
Nov 15, 2022 8:14 AM EST
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