Chiefs vs. Bears: Spencer Ware hopes to make his preseason debut

The Kansas City Chiefs are clearing the way for Spencer Ware to return against the Chicago Bears.

On Tuesday, it was reported that running back Charcandrick West has been released by the Kansas City Chiefs. The transaction created a bit more room for all running backs battling for a spot on the roster, and the fact that the Chiefs have retained Ware through his injury shows their faith in him.

To jog your memory, Ware tore his PCL and LCL in the third week of preseason in 2017 against the Seattle Seahawks. His knee injury was season-ending, costing him all 16 games. About a month ago, it was reported that Ware has been successfully practicing with the team and will be ready to play for the preseason after also restructuring his contract. But we still have yet to see him play.

It might have been questioned before Tuesday if Ware is truly ready because the coaches have been sheltering him. The sixth-year pro has been participating in contact work and 11-on-11 drills since last week and Andy Reid gave a hint at the possibility of Ware stepping onto the field Week 3 of preseason.

“I’m just going to see how he does in warm-ups,’’ coach Andy Reid said. “Right now, he’s scheduled to play. We’ll just see how he feels.’’

Ware will be competing with Damien Williams, Kerwynn Williams, Ray Lawry and Darrel Williams for the final roster spots at running back. Kareem Hunt will be No. 1, of course. In the season before Ware’s injury, he had 1,368 yards from scrimmage with five touchdowns along with 33 catches for 447 yards.

If Ware wakes up feeling good on Saturday, he could finally be making a comeback on Saturday against the Bears in Chicago. It’s been a year-long journey to get to this point, but he could be getting healthy right on time for the Chiefs.