Who Should I Start? Jerick McKinnon or Tyler Higbee

Wednesday, January 10, 12:32 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (hernia, pelvis) was on crutches on Tuesday in his first day back at the team's facility following sports-hernia surgery on Jan. 2, which was performed by Dr. Williams Meyers. In addition to a sports hernia, McKinnon fractured his pelvis. It all means that McKinnon is doubtful to return for the postseason, even if the Chiefs make another run to the Super Bowl this year. The 31-year-old is eligible for free agency in March but has expressed interest in returning to Kansas City. McKinnon missed the final three games of the regular season and finished 2023 with just 21 carries for 60 yards and one touchdown while adding 25 receptions for 192 yards and four touchdowns through the air in 12 games played. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will have a bigger role as the No. 2 in KC's backfield behind Isiah Pacheco now that McKinnon is out.

Thursday, January 8, 5:19 PM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (ankle) was a full participant in practice on Friday and has been removed from the final injury report. Higbee will be active for Wild-Card weekend on Saturday against the Carolina Panthers after he was limited in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. The 33-year-old missed six games due to an ankle issue that landed him on Injured Reserve, but he was able to return in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Higbee played 64% of the offensive snaps in his return while catching five of his six targets for 91 yards and a touchdown. It was a nice first game back, and he could see more time on the field this weekend if rookie Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) cannot play. The impending return of receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) is bad news for Higbee, though. Consider him a touchdown-dependent TE1 on Wild-Card weekend against Carolina.