Kansas City Chiefs send Spencer Ware to injured reserve

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Running back Spencer Ware #39 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis #57 of the Chicago Bears in the second quarter of the game at Soldier Field on December 22, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Running back Spencer Ware #39 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis #57 of the Chicago Bears in the second quarter of the game at Soldier Field on December 22, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Kansas City Chiefs announce the bad news that Spencer Ware is being sent to IR. What does that mean for K.C. going forward?

After playing only three games with the Kansas City Chiefs after signing late in the season, Spencer Ware has been sent to injured reserve, ending both his regular season and post season. The greatest blocking back on the team has been lost for the season due to a torn rotator cuff.

In the short time that Ware spent with the team, Ware had 17 carries for 51 yards, averaging 3 yards per carry and helping to set the pace on 1st and 2nd down. His presence on the field was not limited to running the ball however, catching 5 passes out of the backfield and laying some of the nastiest blocks seen on linebackers this year for K.C.

Ware’s dismissal to IR did come with some good news, however, with Xavier Williams returning to the team and filling his roster spot. Williams’ return to the field marks the addition of a great run defender, using his 6’2″, 309 lb. frame to fill the run lanes before the even open up.

The Chiefs running back room has been a little thin in recent weeks with injuries and fatigue concerns forcing the Chiefs to make some creative moves to maintain the ground game.

Damien Williams has been injured for several weeks down the stretch. Darrel Williams is already on injured reserve. LeSean McCoy has been rested as a healthy scratch (or given limited carries some games) due to Andy Reid‘s stated goal of keeping him healthy for the playoffs. Only rookie running back Darwin Thompson remains unscathed.

Now that Damien Williams is back healthy again, it will be interesting to see if the Chiefs check out any more running backs in the light of Ware’s loss. For now at least the Chiefs defensive front is more stout for the postseason.

Schedule