Jamaal Charles uncertain of playing for Broncos in preseason Week 2
By Matt Conner
The Denver Broncos aren’t sure if Jamaal Charles will play Week 2 even after the running back has already missed the first preseason game.
For nearly every Kansas City Chiefs fan, it will be an odd and perhaps even frustrating sight. When Jamaal Charles takes the field as a member of the Denver Broncos, it will be an uncomfortable moment for so many, simply because the former franchise icon for the Chiefs was such a fan favorite. To see Charles in anything but red and gold is off-putting, let alone the uniform of a hated division rival. However, it might be some time before Charles ever actually takes the field for Denver in a game setting this preseason.
So far, Charles insists he’s completely healthy but the Broncos medical staff are also taking it easy with Charles as he eases back into game form after multiple knee surgeries that have limited his availability over the last two years. Charles has only appeared in 8 games with the Chiefs since 2014, so it wasn’t a huge surprise to see general manager John Dorsey cut ties with Charles early in the offseason. It was, however, unnerving to see him sign with the Broncos immediately after the 2017 NFL Draft.
More from Arrowhead Addict
- Former Chiefs cornerback in legal trouble in Las Vegas
- Chiefs Kingdom: Get ready to break contract news
- Chiefs news: Travis Kelce wants to host fan ‘chug-off’ in Germany
- Podcast: Breaking down the Chiefs biggest roster battles
- KC Chiefs send Dave Merritt to NFL coaching accelerator
Charles himself admits he hasn’t been given a firm timeline to return. Neither has head coach Vance Joseph. Instead, the running back says he’s simply doing what he needs to do to be ready in the moment when they call his name. He also said he’s not worried about having to show John Elway and the Broncos coaches what he brings to the table. His resume certainly speaks for itself.
"“I don’t think I have to prove anything,” he said. “… People know what I can do. I feel confident. Whatever Coach Vance (Joseph) and the trainers say, that’s their direction. I’m just out here every day just getting healthy and getting my craft ready and preparing to play whenever.”"
The Broncos have remade their offensive line this offseason with the free agent additions of Ronald Leary, the trade for Allen Barbre and the draft selection of Garrett Bolles in the first round. Elway is hopeful the changes up front can help establish a ground game that includes Charles, C.J. Anderson and De’Angelo Henderson. The team has also signed veteran Stevan Ridley after Devontae Booker was injured earlier in training camp.