Jamaal Charles may miss the season opener so who should his fantasy football owners look to acquire to replace him?
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is iffy for the team’s season opener as he works his way back from a torn ACL. Not only does this have a real-life impact on the AFC West team, but it has a negative impact on his fantasy football owners.
If you own Charles in your league, you should have handcuffed him knowing he was coming back from a season-ending injury. Therefore, Charles owners, meet backup running back, Spencer Ware. Well, that is if you haven’t already met.
Football fans are well aware that it’s extremely difficult for a running back to come back from an ACL tear. Adrian Peterson did his best to make us think otherwise, but an ACL recovery can be a lengthy process. Since he’s 29 years old, it’s likely the Chiefs will be careful with Charles, meaning he may miss the first week, and possibly more.
If you own Charles and you don’t have Spencer Ware, you dug your own grave. So far this preseason, Ware has shown the ability to run the ball well and catch it, something Charles has always been known for as well. He fits perfectly with what the Chiefs are trying to do and now it looks like he’ll have a chance to showcase it week 1.
Spencer Ware shaping up as a top-12 RB play in Week 1. #Chiefs face #Chargers as 7-point favorites at Arrowhead.
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) September 2, 2016
At this point, if you’re a Charles owner, you have two options. You can pray to the unforgiving fantasy football gods that Charles starts practicing with the first team, or you can go and pay what is sure to be a pretty penny for Ware.
Next: Best QB/Head Coach Combos in NFL History
It also may be smart to keep an eye on Charcandrick West, the third running back for the Chiefs. West has done well when he’s had the opportunity in the past so it wouldn’t hurt to take a flier on him as well.
For those feeling like rolling the dice on a guy like Charles, now is your buy-low period if you can find a panicked owner. Either way, good luck to all that have a hand in the Chiefs backfield.