After the Kansas City Chiefs placed Jerick Mckinnon on injured reserve on December 24, the door was left open for the running back to return should the team advance past the Wild Card round.
However, if the Chiefs defeat the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, January 13, it seems they will have to continue their Super Bowl journey without McKinnon. The veteran was dealing with much more than a groin injury, according to Chiefs Digest’s Matt Derrick.
“McKinnon underwent the procedure on Jan. 2 in Philadelphia performed by noted core muscle specialist Dr. William Meyers,” Derrick reported. “In addition to the muscle tear, McKinnon also sustained a fracture in his pelvic bone.”
While Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hasn’t officially ruled McKinnon out, “the typical return from a similar procedure is at least six to eight weeks,” Derrick wrote. “Tight end Blake Bell, who underwent a similar surgery last year performed by Dr. Meyers, missed the first 14 games of the 2022 season.” Therefore, it’s “unlikely the 31-year-old running back will return this season.”
Jerick McKinnon played a crucial role in Kansas City’s run to winning Super Bowl LVII last year. During the regular season, he recorded 72 carries for 291 yards and a touchdown, along with 56 receptions for 512 yards and 9 scores.
He added another 19 rushes for 60 yards in the postseason. In the championship game, McKinnon could’ve scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. However, he purposely stopped two yards short of the end zone, which helped set up the Chiefs for the game-winning field goal.
In 12 game appearances this season, McKinnon recorded 21 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown along with 25 receptions for 192 yards and four scores.
Chiefs Kingdom was devastated to learn McKinnon likely won’t return for the playoffs. One fan posted on X, “Damn, we not winning that ring last year without em. Shouts to jet man.”
Due to his age, some fans lamented that they likely saw his final game in Kansas City. The former third-round pick from the 2014 NFL draft signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Chiefs. He is set to become a free agent this offseason.
However, other fans are worried McKinnon won’t come back from this injury at all. One man reacted, “He’s actually a bigger loss than most would admit. This hurts, and with him being 32 this year, he’s probably done in the NFL.