Jamaal Charles doubtful, Tamba Hali to play vs. Chargers

The Kansas City Chiefs will likely be without Jamaal Charles in Week 1, but will have Tamba Hali in a limited role.

Head coach Andy Reid took the podium today inside the bowels of Arrowhead Stadium and gave one of the more informative press conferences we have had in 2016 to date. Here are some of the main topics that came out of the scrum:

Jamaal Charles is not likely to play on Sunday

Reid used the word “stretch” when talking about Charles’ availability on Sunday against San Diego. While it is disappointing that Charles has not fully recovered yet from his injury suffered in Week 5 of last year, it’s a good sign that he’s practicing. Since the team didn’t place him on the PUP list, they obviously feel he’s close to coming back.

Look for Spencer Ware to get the bulk of the carries on Sunday, with Charcandrick West also playing a significant role.

Tamba Hali will play, but in a rotational role

Hali is 33 years old and coming off knee surgery. he has also been hobbled each of the last two seasons by those balky knees, so this isn’t shocking. However, with Hali on an unofficial snap count, the Chiefs have to rely heavily on guys like Dezman Moses, Frank Zombo and perhaps Dadi Nicolas opposite of Dee Ford.

This could be the Achilles heel of the defense if Ford doesn’t step up.

Phillip Gaines is going to start

Gaines has been coming along slowly since tearing his ACL in Week 3 of last year. However, Reid stated that Gaines would be starting across from Marcus Peters, provided he was healthy. Reid then noted that Gaines is healthy.

Facing one of the best quarterbacks on the planet in Philip Rivers, the Chiefs desperately need Gaines to be both on the field and playing well.