The entire spectrum of fantasy football changed on Sunday, when initial tests showed Jamaal Charles tore his right ACL. Charles is done for the season if the initial prognosis reigns true, putting yet another damper on what has been a dismal start to the Kansas City Chiefs' season.
Fantasy football waiver advice: 2 replacement RBs worth adding after Jamaal Charles injury
In wake of a severe knee injury suffered by Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs will likely lean on two running backs to carry the load. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Charles totaled 541 yards in five games and added five touchdowns to yet another strong start, and his absence takes away one of the league's premier rushing and receiving threats. Charcandrick West and Knile Davis will be looked toward for the running game to be established in Kansas City, but a dropoff in production can be expected.
Fantasy impact: Charles is no stranger to the injury report, which made Davis one of fantasy football’s “must-own” handcuffs since head coach Andy Reid would give him plenty of usage. But now, West is in the equation, and it appears he has taken over Davis’ role. However, despite West having more usage, signs point to a committee approach in Charles’ absence.
Via Kathleen Gier of The Kansas City Star:
“We haven’t heard anything,” West said. “They told us -- me and Knile -- we’re both going to play, we both have to be ready to step up. We know our big brother went down, so it’s time for us to step up.”
West and Davis must be added in leagues of all formats. Since West has out-touched Davis in recent weeks, fantasy owners should prioritize him over Davis when making waiver claims, but both should be bid on.
