Jamaal Charles back, but things different for Chiefs

Eight months ago, things were simpler for the Kansas City Chiefs. All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles was healthy and the centerpiece of head coach Andy Reid’s West Coast offense. Things would soon change though. In mid-October, Charles was felled by yet another ACL injury that cut his 2015 campaign short.

It would appear that the nine-year veteran is healthy enough to participate when training camp opens in Saint Joseph, Missouri next month. On that point, though, it’s useful to note that Charles is returning to a much different offense than the one he left in the fall of 2015.

Sure, the offensive personnel is largely the same, but we know more about what that group is capable of. Reid and company had to adapt with Charles out of the lineup last season. Those adjustments, in large part, helped spark the Chiefs 10-game win streak that sent them back to the NFL postseason.

As the team begins the final leg of the 2016 offseason, it’s clear the Chiefs offense won’t have to rely so heavily on Charles going forward. This bunch now has a pair of battle-tested backs to flank Charles and provide a comparable level of production.

It also boasts 1,000-yard receiver Jeremy Maclin and a quarterback willing to stretch defenses vertically. Coupling those two assets with Pro Bowler Travis Kelce and perhaps the best Kansas City receiving corps in a decade and Reid should have quite the challenge balancing this offense.

Next: Chiefs have options