The Kansas City Chiefs are losing one of their most consistent performers for an unknown period of time which could put an unwanted dent in their season. With other stars like Dwayne Bowe and Junior Hemingway struggling, losing anyone to injury is not good for the offense. However, that is the reality for Jamaal Charles as the running back sits out with a sprained ankle, leaving Kansas City to try and replace his production.
Charles suffered a high ankle sprain in the Chiefs' loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 2. He was stopped on a run up the middle in the first quarter and limped his way to the bench, not returning to action. The fall of Charles comes after the Chiefs failed to get him involved in the offense in Week 1 despite his strong numbers a season ago. He had just seven carries against the Tennessee Titans after he put up 1,287 yards in 2013. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Charles is expected to miss time, leaving the Chiefs with Knile Davis and De'Anthony Thomas for the ground game.
Kansas City is expected to start Davis in place of Charles, but could Thomas be the better back? Fantasy owners would be wise to pick up Davis immediately considering he will get the primary amount of carries. Head coach Andy Reid told the media that he did not expect the offense to change with the backup running back leading the way. Davis got 22 carries last week so things should increase more in Week 3. He put up 242 yards on just 70 carries last season so the Chiefs should not see a drop off in production.
"He brings a different style to our offense," quarterback Alex Smith said, via Washington Post. "He's a physical back, a big back who can really run . You have a little bit of a pounding effect on the defense and gives the guys up front that mentality that you can pound it with Knile. I thought he did a good job in protection and in the pass game as well."
However, where does Thomas fit into this picture? According to Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star, the fourth-round draft pick out of Oregon is expected to make his NFL debut in Week 3 as the Chiefs look to give him a large role in the offense. Thomas' versatility could really come in handy for the Chiefs. He is a solid runner that has speed out in space. He has excellent hands, putting up 1,296 receiving yards at Oregon. He can also be a return man for the team. He is an enticing talent that can help a struggling offense.
