Spencer Ware injury update: Chiefs running back out vs. Chargers

Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware has been ruled out for Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Spencer Ware was designated as doubtful on Wednesday for Thursday Night Football with a hamstring issue and shoulder injury suffered last Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. A report has now surfaced that Ware has already been ruled out instead for the Kansas City Chiefs’ game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

610 Sports host Carrington Harrison out of Kansas City provided an injury update on Thursday morning about Ware, who had not practiced the entirety of Week 15. Ware, who assumed the Chiefs’ starting running back role, was short-lived in the starter’s role after taking over for Kareem Hunt, who was released by the Chiefs in recent weeks for lying about his role in an offseason assault.

With Ware out, fellow running back Damien Williams is expected to get the start for the Chiefs. Williams was brought in this offseason for competition at scatback. He spent his first few years in the league with the Miami Dolphins. Williams beat out Charcandrick West in the preseason for the role, but the Chiefs recently re-signed West given their need for more talent and familiarity at running back.

Undrafted free agent running back Darrel Williams may also be somewhat of a factor for the Chiefs, but the former LSU product has only seen one carry on the year so far.

It’s unknown how long Ware will be out, but he will definitely be missed. Last week, he had 129 total yards from scrimmage for the Chiefs, including 75 on the ground. He was not as dynamic as Kareem Hunt, who was an elite talent, but he did give the Chiefs a reliable two-way threat out of the backfield. Now the Chiefs will have to game plan around the specific strengths of each back instead of enjoying the versatility afforded by either of the top two backs to start the seasno.