Jamaal Charles looks sharp, gets injured during Broncos game

The Denver Broncos debut for Jamaal Charles included a bit of the good and bad that Chiefs fans are used to seeing from the veteran running back.

Jamaal Charles made his long-awaited preseason debut for the Denver Broncos on Saturday night after missing the previous two games due to rehab from multiple knee surgeries. The performance included familiar sightings of the incredible athleticism and the frustrating injuries that Kansas City Chiefs fans are used to seeing from the most productive running back in franchise history.

Overall, Charles had 4 carries for 27 yards and another 15 yards on 2 catches, and he showed the sort of two-way dynamism that could frustrate defensive coordinators if he can stay healthy. Even from the very first play, it’s easy to see how defenders respect Charles so much that he can eat up extra yards just from the threat of shaking them.

He’s also a clear threat to serve as a safe outlet out of the backfield for Trevor Siemian when defenses aren’t spying on Charles specifically.

Now check out the following play against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, the biggest and best play from Charles on the night.

The downside for Broncos fans, before they get too excited about signing an explosive player on the cheap, is that Charles had two injury scares last night. First he was examined for a possible concussion. Not too much later, he had to visit the medical tent because of a possible ankle injury. He later returned to the sidelines without heading to the locker room.

Therein lies the mix for whichever team employs Jamaal Charles these days—the reality that with any play he can provide the offensive boost you need or he could need to come off of the field. The Chiefs decided the rollercoaster wasn’t worth it any longer, but the Broncos could find themselves with the steal of the offseason if they’re willing to ride things out.