The Kansas City Chiefs got the worst possible news on running back Jamaal Charles Monday. An MRI confirmed that Charles tore his ACL and will be out for the season.
Jamaal Charles’ fantasy season is over after tearing ACL in Week 5
An MRI confirmed that Jamaal Charles tore his ACL and will be out for the season. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Charles suffered the injury during Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Bears. He went down in the backfield on a non-contact injury, which is typically never good news. This is not his first major knee injury -- Charles missed most of the 2011 season with another torn ACL.
The 28-year-old finishes 2015 with 364 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 71 carries, adding 21 catches for 177 yards and an additional touchdown. Charcandrick West is expected to start in place of Charles, with Knile Davis backing him up.
Fantasy impact: Brutal news for fantasy owners -- Charles was a top-five draft pick in almost every league this season. But it’s time to pick up the pieces, and that starts with West, who should get the first crack at the starting job and needs to be added in all fantasy formats. Davis has mysteriously fallen out of favor in Kansas City, getting just two touches the past three weeks.
Assuming there’s no timeshare, West has legitimate RB2 appeal in Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings, whose defense is allowing the most rushing yards per game this season. We wouldn’t count out Davis still playing a role, though, so keep your expectations in check.
