Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO; Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) before the game against the Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs may have to prepare for a short-term life without one of its top explosive playmakers on offense.
Coach Andy Reid revealed during his Monday media session running back Jamaal Charles suffered a high ankle sprain during Week 2’s 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Reid isn’t sure how much time Charles will miss.
“These things take time,” Reid said, “but it doesn’t look to be real severe. But it does have the component of a high ankle sprain. What does that mean? Well, we will see what happens here.”
Recovery from a high ankle sprain depends on numerous factors, including the grade assigned to the sprain, according to certified athletic trainer Jeff Stotts of the St. Vincent Health Systems in Little Rock, Ark.
Stotts, who holds PES and CES certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, did not evaluate Charles.
But Stotts offered an opinion on the worst and best case scenarios for recovery from a high ankle sprain based on his training and background.
“Worst case scenario,” Stotts opined in a telephone interview, “I’d say six weeks and that would be with significant swelling, significant damage in the area between the two bones. It’s possible he plays after a week or two. Now is he 100 percent? I don’t know, probably not. But I think generally two to three weeks is the best timeframe for a complete recovery.”
Charles participated in five plays before leaving early in the first quarter with the injury. He finished the game 4 yards rushing on two carries and 8 yards receiving on one catch.
The Chiefs have options depending on Charles’ recovery and severity of the high ankle sprain.
The first surrounds the timing, as the Chiefs play the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers before the Week 6 bye.
Should Charles need four weeks to recover, there’s an extra week built in before the Chiefs face the San Diego Chargers in Week 7.
The second factor surrounds the Chiefs’ comfort level in Charles’ primary backup, second-year pro Knile Davis.
Davis relieved Charles early in the first quarter and totaled 79 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 22 carries. The Chiefs also involved Davis in the passing game where he grabbed six catches for 24 yards on nine targets.
Davis’ familiarity with the offense and the coaching staff’s confidence in him signals the Chiefs may not have to adjust the offense should Charles miss extended time.
“I don’t think it would change much from what you saw yesterday,” Reid said. “He (Davis) was involved in a lot of different areas. I’m not saying in number of carries. You saw him go and play a few different roles.”
NOTES: Reid said strong safety Eric Berry suffered an ankle sprain Sunday … Starting free safety Husain Abdullah has a foot contusion, but Reid said “should be OK as we go forward” … Reid said running back Cyrus Gray has a foot strain, adding Gray “should be heading in the right direction” … Reid said rookie running back/wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas (hamstring) “should be able to work himself back in this week.” The Chiefs will evaluate Thomas’ status on Wednesday. Thomas, the team’s fourth-round pick, missed the first two games of the regular season.
