Locked on Chiefs: Running back depth in critical condition for Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2017 offseason with a lot of questions at running back beyond Spencer Ware.

First and foremost, the injury status of Jamaal Charles leaves his readiness for another season in question. After recovering from an ACL repair, two meniscus procedures required during the 2016 season. In all, Charles has only been available for eight games in the last two seasons. Coupled with his high cap number in 2017, Charles is not a lock return to the Chiefs roster.

Spencer Ware filled in for Charles as the starting tailback in 2016 and set a career high in rushing yardage 921 yards. Despite being within sight of a thousand yards on the season, where’s per rush yardage fell steeply. The decline from 5.6 yards per carry in 2015 to 4.3 yards per carry in 2016 was not the only concerning sign in Ware’s performance.

After a midseason injury, Ware was unable to return to his early-season form. Ware struggled with fading performances in the second half of 2016. He never broke 69 yards running in any contest after week 5.

The results of 2016 brings the looming question of whether Ware can remain healthy and productive for an entire season in 2017. Can the Chiefs plan their rushing attack around Spencer Ware?

Beyond Ware, the running backs currently on the roster prevent more questions than answers. Charcandrick West showed promise in 2015 but took a step back in his performance and running aggression in 2016. De’Anthony Thomas’s role was further diminished, both in the backfield and as a slot receiver. Thomas’s strength continues to be on special teams.

The Chiefs have one other player and Darrin Reeves that present an option for depth behind where. Unfortunately, he’s inexperienced and has yet to see the field in the NFL regular season.

The uncertainty of Jamaal Charles’ return coupled with a question of Spencer Ware’s resilience point to the team meeting to find another player capable of being the future back. The question is, will they?

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Locked on Chiefs is a daily podcast show that drills down to the bottom line and will give you a 360-degree view of the Kansas City Chiefs. Take a few minutes to hear about your Chiefs each day. We’ll cover the offseason, the draft and all the way to the Super Bowl and want to cover the topics you want to hear about. So reach out to us on twitter @LockedOnChiefs with questions and for up to the minute analysis and episode information.

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