Spencer Ware spends time with the Detroit Lions

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 09: Running back Spencer Ware #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball as cornerback Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens defends during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 09: Running back Spencer Ware #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball as cornerback Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens defends during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions are looking for some help at running back and they’ve brought in former Kansas City Chiefs back Spencer Ware for a visit.

The first known free agent visit for running back Spencer Ware is taking place this week with the Detroit Lions, per Adam Schefter.

Ware, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs, hit free agency for the first time this spring after spending the first four years of his carer in K.C.

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The Lions have had trouble running the ball in recent years and that trend continued in 2018. Despite using a high draft pick in the second round on Kerryon Johnson in 2018, the Lions were still held to a 4.1 yards/carry average, good for fifth worst in the NFL last  year. Johnson is not to blame, however, as he suffered a sprained knee that took him out for several games and ultimately ended his season.

With LeGarrette Blount hitting free agency, the Lions could look to replace him with Ware and create a nice one-two tandem in the process. It’s a position that Ware is used to holding with the Chiefs alongside stars like Jamaal Charles and Kareem Hunt. Ware has filled in admirably in the past when called upon to start, but he’s also proven successful in limited doses and has never complained when his role has been altered.

Ware has 51 carries for 246 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns last year for the Chiefs in limited duty behind Hunt and then Damien Williams. The Chiefs extended Williams near year’s end and also signed Carlos Hyde to a one-year deal in free agency, a move that signaled the end of Ware’s tenure with the team.

Ware also caught 20 passes last year and has nice hands out of the backfield. In 2017, Ware caught a career high 33 passes and finished the year with 1,368 yards, showing he can be a well-rounded back when given the chance.

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