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Chiefs’ RB Jamaal Charles uncertain for Week 1

By Brad Berreman

Oct 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) stretches out before the game against the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium. The Bears won 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) stretches out before the game against the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium. The Bears won 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is working his way back from a torn ACL, and he may not play Week 1.

After suffering a torn right ACL in Week 5 last season, Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles has been slowly working his way back to full strength. Being held out of preseason games was no surprise, but recent news regarding Charles’ progress has not been particularly optimistic.

On Friday afternoon, Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid said he’s “not sure” Charles will be ready to play Week 1 against the San Diego Chargers.

Even if he does play in the season opener, Charles looks sure to have a minimal role. Spencer Ware has handled most of the first-team practice reps thus far, and Charcandrick West may now be in the mix more than originally expected.

In Charles’ absence last season, Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West filled in very capably. The duo combined for more than 1,000 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, with most of that production coming from Week 7 on. The Chiefs’ also showed some commitment to Ware and West during the offseason, signing each to a contract extension.

Charles’ iffy injury status may have a direct impact on running back Knile Davis over the next 24 hours or so. He is firmly on the roster bubble, after falling down the depth chart for the Chiefs in 2015, and trade rumors have continued to surround him. But if only to have another viable option around if Charles is out, Kansas City may choose to carry Davis on the 53-man roster into the regular season.

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With nice running back depth in place, the Chiefs can afford to take things slowly with Charles. It’s also worth noting he won’t be a year removed from his knee injury until early October. Add in age (29; 30 in December) with a previous tear of his other ACL five years ago, and there’s a chance Charles never quite regains his peak form.

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