Elijah Mitchell’s Moment Could Be Now: Inside Andy Reid’s Surprising Decision To Keep Kansas City’s Quiet Star On The Bench — And Why Chiefs Fans Are Desperate To See Him Shine In Week 11

When starting running back Isaiah Pacheco went down with an MCL sprain, it seemed like the perfect chance for Mitchell to finally take the field. Instead, the Chiefs elevated Clyde Edwards-Helaire (CEH) from the practice squad to face the Buffalo Bills. CEH carried the ball just twice for a total of five yards, leaving fans and analysts scratching their heads and asking: If not now, when?

Head coach Andy Reid was asked about the decision in his postgame press conference. He smiled, scratched his chin, and gave the kind of answer only he could. “We really like Elijah — if we didn’t, he wouldn’t be here,” Reid said. “But Clyde knows all the protections. He’s done it before. There’s comfort there.” In Reid’s system, comfort means trust — and when your quarterback is Patrick Mahomes, trust in pass protection matters more than almost anything else.

But then, as the questions lingered and the debate over Mitchell’s role grew louder, Reid added something that instantly caught the attention of Chiefs Kingdom:

“We Kept Elijah For A Reason. Give Me One Game — Just One Game — And I'll Show You Why This Kid Can Shine In The League. His Moment Is Coming, And When It Does, Everyone Will Feel It.”

Still, the explanation hasn’t calmed the storm around Arrowhead. Chiefs fans argue that if CEH is truly the trusted option, he should be signed to the active roster — and if Mitchell isn’t ready to play, he shouldn’t be taking up a valuable spot. “If CEH is your guy, make it official and free Mitchell,” one frustrated fan posted on X. “He’s been a healthy scratch all year while our run game looks lifeless.”

Inside the locker room, Mitchell remains composed. “I’m not complaining,” he told reporters after practice. “I’m here to learn Coach Reid’s system and stay ready. I know what I can do when my number’s called. Just give me one carry — that’s all I need.” Teammates say he’s been sharp in blitz-pickup drills, quietly improving every week.

Meanwhile, CEH has defended his limited role. “I was there to block, to help Pat get the ball out,” he explained. “Two carries don’t tell the story. I did my job.” It’s a professional response, but one that highlights just how muddled Kansas City’s running back rotation has become. Outside of the fiery Pacheco and flashes from rookie Bashard Smith, the group has lacked explosiveness — and the offense has suffered for it.

Behind the scenes, General Manager Brett Veach reportedly asked Reid whether it was time to make a move. Reid’s answer was firm. “He’s improving every week,” he said of Mitchell. “Last week, he blocked Von Miller one-on-one in practice — clean. When Pacheco’s back, we’ll have three healthy backs. No reason to panic. I see the future.”

As Kansas City turns its focus to Week 11, patience is running thin. The offense needs a spark, and the fans want answers. Maybe Elijah Mitchell is that spark — a player waiting for one chance to prove his worth. And if Andy Reid truly means what he said, that chance may finally be coming this Sunday.