Will Jamaal Charles play against the Jets in Week 3?
In the upcoming Jets vs Chiefs Week 3 matchup, Gang Green might see running back Jamaal Charles make his debut of the season.
It’s no secret that running back Jamaal Charles is a difference-maker. Unfortunately last season, he tore his ACL and has been sidelined ever since. He has yet to play during the regular season but does have some slightly good news heading into Week 3 action against the New York Jets.
As per Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star, head coach Andy Reid has confirmed that Charles is improving by the day preparing for the Jets. Here’s what Reid had to say about his status so far this week:
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“I think the longer you can wait with him, the better it is. Even though, I think he probably thought he could go play today, or tomorrow or whatever. So, we’ll just see how this week goes and another week is going to help him. We’ll just see. We’ll see how he does this week.”
There is a strong possibility that Reid might hold off on putting Charles in against the Jets for fear of holding him back as he rehabs. It’s important that the Chiefs don’t rush him back since he’ll be a big part of their offense down the road once he’s able to play.
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This might bode well for the Jets since if they don’t have to face him, should be able to handle what the Chiefs’ offense throws their way.
The Jets have a solid defensive line that should be able to contain backup running back Spencer Ware who would get the nod to start.
Since Charles missed every training camp and all of the preseason, the Chiefs will more than likely play it safe and at least wait another week or two.
Of course, everything depends on how he does this week as they prepare for the Jets who travel to face them in Arrowhead Stadium.
Even head coach Todd Bowles recently chimed in this week on what would transpire if the Jets end up facing Charles after all. Here is what he said, courtesy of the Jets’ Media Relations Department:
On how he deals with situations where is uncertainty whether a player like Jamaal Charles will play…
Well, you can’t worry about it. If he comes back, they’re not going to change the running game because he came back. He’s just a different breed of back. They’ve got some explosive backs they’re playing with. If he comes back, that just gives them a three-headed monster. You’ve just got to prepare as if he’s going to play and if he doesn’t, he doesn’t.
Overall, the Jets might get lucky and not have to worry about facing Charles who would have done his best to put up a clinic in his return to the Chiefs this season. Either way, keep a close eye on the latest injury report right here on The Jet Press the moment it’s released before this Week 3 matchup. Please follow us on Twitter or on our official Facebook page to see it once it’s available.