Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid sounded his most pessimistic note yet about the availability of running back Jamaal Charles for Sunday’s season opener against the San Diego Chargers.
“I think it’s a stretch for him to play Sunday," Reid said. “We’ll see how it goes."
Charles only recently returned to practice after missing much of last season because of a torn ACL. But Charles has yet to regain the featured back role he had before the injury. He did not play in any of the four preseason games.
This has been brewing for at least a week when reports came out that Charles was behind schedule. Spencer Ware has been taking most of the starter’s snaps in his place. Ware’s physical running style played well against the Chargers last year. He had 148 rushing yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns in the two games against San Diego. Charcandrick West would also be in line for touches but is also recently back from injury. Knile Davis could also be a factor.