C.J. Spiller, Jamaal Charles and the current state of the Chiefs running backs

Here’s how the depth chart looks right now:

1. Jamaal Charles
2. Spencer Ware
3. Charcandrick West
4. Darrin Reaves (Practice Squad)
5. C.J. Spiller

A quick overview shows that Kansas City presents a player like Spiller with as good of a chance as anywhere else to make his mark. The running spot section of the roster is in a bit of disarray after a frustrating season where the running game wasn’t nearly as good as expected. Some reasons for the aforementioned disarray:

1. The interior of the offensive line failed to do its part to create the necessary space. From an injury to rookie starter Parker Ehinger at left guard to a slow start for second year center Mitch Morse to inconsistent play from Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, the Chiefs could definitely upgrade the offensive interior. Yet even if they fail to make a move, another year of experience should at least bring this line forward without any additions.

2. Charles is now coming off of another season where he is injured, and the Pro Bowl running back is also be 30-years-old. A drop in performance is to be expected, and that’s if Charles can show he is healthy in the first place.

3. Spencer Ware proved to be more of a complementary back than a workhorse, slowing down considerably in production as the season wore on.

4. Charcandrick West went from promising young back who partnered well with Ware in Charles’ original absence in 2016 to a forgettable roster piece in need of immediate upgrade.

5. Reaves is a practice squad player, and there’s no real reason to believe there’s anything more there.

6. Knile Davis is a free agent and is unlikely to return.