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Jamaal Charles expected to make season debut vs Steelers

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jun 14, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running backs Darrin Reaves (24) and Jamaal Charles (25) take a break in between drills during the mini camp at University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running backs Darrin Reaves (24) and Jamaal Charles (25) take a break in between drills during the mini camp at University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Kansas City Chiefs are planning to have star running back Jamaal Charles available for the first time this season on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After weeks of waiting, Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is expected to make his season debut on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While officially listed as questionable, a Chiefs source said Charles is likely to play, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Charles returned to practice this week after spending some time with the scout team and was listed as doubtful for Kansas City’s first three games.

The 29-year old suffered a torn right ACL in Week 5 of last season and has rehabbed since. That was the second career major knee injury for Charles, as he missed most of the 2014 season with a torn left ACL.

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At that age with a growing injury history, any setback in Charles’ recovery would be of major concern to the Chiefs. We’ll have to wait to see how Charles looks on the field, but that he is ready to play is positive news.

Kansas City will welcome any production from Charles this Sunday, as it faces a tough road matchup on Sunday night football against the Steelers. Both teams sit in second in their respective divisions, making this a critical game for playoff positioning.

The Chiefs were impressive in a blowout win over the New York Jets a week ago but really struggled offensively in Week 2 against the Houston Texans. Charles’ return comes at an opportune time, as fellow running back Charcandrick West will miss Week 4 with an ankle injury.

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Fantasy owners should still think twice about putting Charles in the lineup, as Spencer Ware may remain at the top of the depth chart, at least for this week. Ware has 41 carries for 202 yards and a touchdown this season.

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