Jamaal Charles, Phillip Gaines likely ready for camp
On Monday, both Jamaal Charles and Phillip Gaines gave updates on their ACL rehabs.
The Kansas City Chiefs are clearly going to need both running back Jamaal Charles and cornerback Phillip Gaines to be ready for the start of the 2016 NFL season.
Both are coming off torn ACLs, with Gaines going down in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers while Charles sustained his injury in Week 5 at home versus the Chicago Bears. Luckily, it appears both are doing well and while they might not partake in OTAs, they should be good to go once training camp rolls around in July.
Jamaal Charles said he expects to be ready to play by the start of training camp.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) April 18, 2016
Good to see CB Phillip Gaines in very positive spirits today. He seems to think he’ll be 100 percent for the first game of the season.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) April 18, 2016
"I can run full speed right now, I'm cutting pretty good. It's just a matter of reps."
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) April 18, 2016
~ #Chiefs CB Phillip Gaines.
Gaines is going to be taking on a much larger role this season, or at least would seem to be. Kansas City lost Sean Smith to the Oakland Raiders in free agency, opening up that second starting corner spot opposite Marcus Peters.
Even if general manager John Dorsey drafts a replacement, Gaines would still be starting once more in the slot, a place that is key when playing teams like the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers.
As for Charles, look for him to see less touches with the emergence of both Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware. Both can help lighten the considerable load Charles has carried throughout his career.