Jamaal Charles will play in Denver Broncos opening preseason game
By Matt Conner
The Denver Broncos are prepared to play Jamaal Charles in their season-opening preseason game against the Chicago Bears.
The Denver Broncos begin their 2017 preseason schedule on Thursday, August 10, when they suit up to play the Chicago Bears. What’s interesting is that beyond the competition for starting quarterback, it will also be the first time the Broncos see what they have in newly signed running back Jamaal Charles.
Vance Joseph said Jamaal Charles will play in preseason. Team has a plan for him
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 7, 2017
Given that Charles has been rehabbing his knee once again this offseason, it seemed likely that Charles might sit out the bulk of the preseason in order to remain healthy and safe for the regular season. However, it’s clear that’s not the case since Charles will play per his new head coach, Vance Joseph, even if it’s just for a series or two.
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This means that the team has a couple key things in mind. First of all, it might be a sign that Charles is not completely safe on the roster—that he needs to show what he can do on the field just as much as anyone else vying for a roster spot. Just because he comes with a potential Hall of Fame resume, including a No. 1 standing atop the Chiefs all-time rusher rankings, Charles needs to show his new team what he brings to the field in 2017.
On another note, it could mean that Charles is indeed going to play into the Broncos offensive plans in 2017 for sure and they’re working to get him into game shape—to sharpen his instincts, to feel at home in the team’s new offensive schemes, etc.
Either way, it will be interesting to watch the game as an outsider, not only to see how Trevor Siemian performs heading into his second year as the potential starter, but also to see how Charles looks on his knee in a game setting. Given that everyone is auditioning for very real jobs and paychecks on both sides, Charles will take his share of hits. How he responds could be good news (or bad) for the Broncos on Thursday.