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The Chiefs announced on Wednesday that running back Damien Williams has decided to opt out of playing this year. He joins guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif as Chiefs players who have opted out this season.

“As an organization, we certainly understand and respect Damien’s choice, knowing it was made in the best interest of his family,” General Manager Brett Veach said in a statement. “He means a lot to our football team as a player and a person, and we’re going to miss having him around this season.”

Williams put the Chiefs ahead in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl with a five-yard touchdown catch and then extended their lead with a 38-yard scamper into the end zone. He had 711 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns in the regular season last year.

Williams was headed into the final year of his contract and was set to make $1.85 million. His contract will toll to the 2021 season and he’ll receive an $150,000 advance on his salary.

With Williams stepping away, the Chiefs have first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Darwin Thompson and Darrell Williams at running back this year.

Of course, the Chiefs didn't use a first-round choice on Edwards-Helaire to have him sit and watch and this development accelerates that.

The good news?

Edwards-Helaire looks like a perfect fit for what the Chiefs do on offense, giving head coach Andy Reid, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and Patrick Mahomes yet another weapon.

It should be noted that the newcomer isn't particularly fast (4.60 40-yard dash) and is on the small side, which raises some questions about his strength and ability to pass protect. Of course the concern with any rookie back is blocking, and his production simply can't be ignored. As ESPN's Mike Clay noted, Edwards-Helaire's elite elusiveness and tackle-breaking ability showed up in PFF's metrics, and he forced one missed tackle for every 2.7 touches -- the best ratio in this rookie class.

Pass catching is obviously important in fantasy (especially PPR), so it's notable that Edwards-Helaire also paced this class in targets (65), receptions (55) and receiving yards (453) last season.

He has three-down upside, though it's possible his 5-7 frame could cost him goal-line touches. Nonetheless, this kind of weapon in such a potent offense is going to be very popular come draft day.

And with Williams out, the impact should be immediate.