Jamaal Charles’ absence continues to send a ripple effect not only in the Chiefs’ backfield but in the entire fantasy football community. He continues to work his way back into football shape. The question remains whether Charles will return sooner rather than later. This was problematic for fantasy owners who did not roster Spencer Ware and an opportunity for those who did. He finished as a top-five fantasy running back in standard and PPR formats in Week 1. Here is a visual of the number of touches and production from the Chiefs running backs against the Chargers.
| Player | Pos | Team | Gms | Att | Yds | Yds/Att | TD | Targets | Rec | Yds | TD | Fum | Lost | Fantasy Points |
| Spencer Ware | RB | Chiefs | 1 | 11 | 70 | 6 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 129 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25.9 |
| Charcandrick West | RB | Chiefs | 1 | 3 | -1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.3 |
This article will provide a rapid reaction on how to handle the Chiefs backfield moving forward, what to do if you own Charles, and what to do if you own Ware, and what to do if you happen to own both.
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What can we expect from the Chiefs’ backfield moving forward?
Charles will return at some point this season. He has never been used as a bell cow. Charles has averaged 57.3 percent of the carries and 14.3 percent of the targets from 2012 to 2014. He has averaged 5.12 yards per carry and 8.04 yards per reception over the last four seasons. I could envision a scenario where Chiefs head coach Andy Reid leverages both running backs. Charles is entering his age-29 season and Ware signed an extension this past offseason. It would not surprise if Charles returns to a running back by committee with Ware with the workload cut in half. I could see Ware in a role as the early down and goal line back with Charles sprinkled in as the change of pace and receiving back. Both running backs will be involved in Reid’s offensive scheme. Charles is classified as a medium injury risk (32 percent) according to Sports Injury Predictor as he returns from his second career torn ACL. Here is a visual of his NFL injury history from the website:
| Season | Injury | Analysis |
| 2015 | Knee | Charles tore his ACL in week 5 and was placed on IR |
| 2014 | Ankle | Charles suffered a high ankle sprain his ankle in the opening series of his week 2 game against the Broncos. |
| 2013 | Foot | Charles had a scary fall in the preseason straining some ligaments and missing a few practice sessions. It did not limit him throughout the season |
| 2013 | Head | Charles was knocked out of the Chiefs wild-card loss against the Colts with a head injury. |
| 2012 | Head | Had to leave the week 9 game as a result of a head to head collision. He was able to pass his tests and play the following week |
| 2012 | Knee | Charles sprained his surgically repaired ACL and had to leave the game |
| 2011 | Knee | Tore ACL as he was running off the field and missed the remaining 14 games of the season. Had surgery and was placed on IR |
| 2008 | Ankle | Charles played through a high ankle sprain for most of the season. He did not miss any games but was pulled out of 3 games |
It is one of the most overused cliches in sports, but “Father Time is undefeated.” The clock is ticking for Charles. Could fantasy owners be presented with the changing of the guard from Charles to Ware in 2016?
What should I do with Jamaal Charles if I do not own Spencer Ware?
As a Charles owner without Ware, I recommend holding him. After Ware’s Week 1 performance Charles’ value has never been any lower. Charles is a player you likely spent a second or third round pick on. Fantasy owners likely want to get some return on their investment. I recommend leaning on your additional running back depth while Charles works himself back onto the field. The only scenario I would trade him is if another fantasy owner makes you a compelling trade offer.
What should I do with Spencer Ware if I do not own Jamaal Charles?
If you own Ware and are very comfortable with your running back depth then he makes a perfect addition in a two for one trade to a Charles owner to upgrade a position on your roster. You could pair him with a late-round wide receiver like Stefon Diggs or Willie Snead. The intent would be a target a great buy low candidate who started the season slow like Allen Robinson, Brandon Marshall, or Dez Bryant. I recommend surveying your fantasy league in order to understand the mindset of the other owners. Each fantasy league has its own unique culture. I would also be very transparent in what you are looking to do. You can send an email to the league letting them know what players you have on the trade block. Remember you are the one who has all the leverage in negotiations. If you are not comfortable with the trade or have any trepidation then walk away. The worst case scenario you end up holding onto Ware for the entire season.
Conclusion
The situation with Charles and Ware is another example of the fragility of the running back position and how effective Zero RB can be if applied properly. It also illustrates the benefits of running back handcuffs. If you are drafting a running back with a lengthy injury history it is prudent to protect your investment. It caps your roster’s upside to handcuff every single running back you own on your fantasy team, but you want to be strategic in determining which running back protect. Did you start Ware in Week 1 on one of your fantasy teams? Do you own Jamaal Charles? Do you happen to own both? Feel free to leave a comment below or better yet reach out to me on Twitter @EricNMoody.
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