Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles, who captured the hearts of fantasy owners everywhere (except those that were playing against him) with a big stretch run at the end of the 2009 season, underwent offseason shoulder surgery and hasn't been participating in May practice sessions, but says he'll be ready for training camp.
“The shoulder’s holding up fine,” Charles said. “It’s getting better. They just want to keep me right until we really get started. They don’t want me to trip and fall on it, so that’s the best thing for me right now. I tell people not to worry about it.”
Charles has some company in the Kansas City backfield in the form of Thomas Jones, the veteran who seems to age better than most running backs, but the former Texas Longhorn wasn't disillusioned by the addition of Jones.
“I knew we had to get another playmaker and somebody to help me out,” Charles stated. “He’ll get some carries, I’ll get some carries. I don’t have any problem with that. When I go out of the game, I know we’ve got somebody that can pick us up. I don’t have to hurry up and catch my breath and go back in the game.”
Charles will get the most work in the Kansas City backfield, but the addition of Jones means he probably won't go in the first round of most drafts. However, every fantasy team can use a guy who can put a team on his back and carry it to a victory. Charles proved he can be that kind of player in Kansas City's season finale against Denver, when he rushed for 259 yards and two touchdowns. Although he doesn't have the upside he did before Jones entered the picture, Charles can still provide your fantasy team with a serious spark.
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