The Kansas City Chiefs have been mostly optimistic about Jamaal Charles’ recovery from a torn ACL over the summer. But with the regular season just around the corner, Charles’ availability is looking like more of a question mark.
Jamaal Charles’ Week 1 fantasy status is increasingly unclear
The veteran’s comeback from ACL surgery has slowed down and he might not be fully available for Week 1. We look at the fantasy implications.
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ESPN Chiefs beat writer Adam Teicher first reported on Tuesday that Charles was behind schedule on his recovery and wasn’t working as a full feature back. On Thursday, Teicher said that Charles “certainly won’t be the starter” when the Chiefs start their season against the San Diego Chargers on Sept. 11.
The 29-year-old veteran is trying to come back from the second torn ACL of his career.
Fantasy impact: Charles’ ADP has been in the early second round for most of August, which was a big risk even if you assumed he’ll be a lead workhorse again. This latest round of reports is just another reason to pump the brakes. It doesn’t sound like he’ll be close to 100 percent early on in the season as he gets eased back into action.
We still like Charles’ chances of being a RB1 as the season progresses, but now is not the time. Spencer Ware needs to be owned in all league formats and is shaping up as a quality RB2 starter for Week 1, if not beyond.
