Sep 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34) against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Mystery surrounds the status of Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
Charles returned to the field Thursday just four days after suffering a high ankle sprain and put in a limited practice.
While it remains to be seen if Charles will play Sunday, the Chiefs have a backup plan in the event Charles is unavailable.
And it’s a more than capable Plan B with second-year pro Knile Davis.
“He’s a guy as we saw last week in the football game when 2-5 (Charles) went down,” offensive coordinator Doug Pederson said Thursday, “came in and had an outstanding game. He’s understanding his role and that’s a big part of what he does.”
The 5-10, 227-pound Davis totaled 105 yards (79 rushing) and two touchdowns in relief of Charles against the Denver Broncos in Week 2.
And knowing Davis’ skillset, the Chiefs can effectively plan a game during practice with Davis as the primary ball carrier.
“It is a benefit to Knile because he is getting all of the reps,” Pederson said. “Offensively, you would love to have everybody and you’d love to have 2-5 (Jamaal Charles) and all that getting him the reps as well. But yeah, it is a benefit to Knile.”
Davis has starting experience from Week 17 of the 2013 season where he rushed for 81 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries against the San Diego Chargers.
He also totaled 100 yards (67 rushing) and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) during the first round of the AFC playoffs for Charles, who left the contest against the Indianapolis Colts with a concussion. Davis eventually left that game with a knee injury and fractured fibula.
Now healthy, Davis said he’s grown from last season and is acclimated to the offensive scheme.
“One year makes a huge difference,” he said. “I’ve learned the game, I’m comfortable now, I’m just ready to go.”
More importantly, the former Arkansas Razaorback is prepared to take the lead role if the Chiefs lean on him against Miami.
“I’m confident with the game plan we put in this week and we’re ready to roll,” Davis said. “Whole team is ready to roll, ready to go out there and execute.”
