Oct. 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) carries the ball during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Running back Jamaal Charles’ season is officially over.
The Chiefs confirmed Monday evening an MRI revealed Charles has a torn ACL in his right knee.
The 28-year-old Charles suffered the season-ending injury Sunday in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears.
Charles, a two-time first-team All-Pro running back, is no stranger to recovering from an ACL injury. He suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in 2011, and has time to rehabilitate before the 2016 season.
“I talked to him yesterday,” coach Andy Reid said earlier Monday afternoon during a press conference before the confirmation of Charles’ ACL tear. “He’s obviously down, but he’s positive about coming back and getting himself back.
“That’s where his energy will be directed now, getting through the surgery and getting himself back to where he can play. And that’s where it should be. He’s not a selfish guy. He feels like he let the team down, but that’s not the case at all. The other guys will step up and pick up where he left off.”
With Charles out for the year, the Chiefs can place him on injured reserve, which would free a spot on the 53-man active roster.
Kansas City must also identify his replacement and the choices currently on the active roster are second-year pro Charcandrick West and third-year pro Knile Davis. The Chiefs could also elevate Spencer Ware from the practice squad or move De’Anthony Thomas from wide receiver to bolster depth.
The Chiefs are scheduled to work out veteran running back Ben Tate on Tuesday.
Charles, who holds a top-5 place in numerous rushing categories in team history, finishes the year with 364 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 71 carries. He added 21 receptions for 177 yards and a touchdown.
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Herbie Teope is the lead Chiefs beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and The Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @HerbieTeope.
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