Dec. 13, 2015; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) against the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs running back Spencer Ware, who suffered a rib injury in Week 14, was active in Week 15’s win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Ware saw limited action, however, and logged just two special teams snaps with none on offense.
Coach Andy Reid said Monday that Ware was available on offense for emergency purposes behind Charcandrick West if needed.
“His ribs were a little sore,” Reid said of Ware. “We had Knile (Davis) there, so we feel comfortable with him and we worked him in when needed. As an emergency, he could’ve, but I kind of let those things settle down a little bit.”
Ware missed two days of practice last week before putting in a limited practice on Friday, but the limited contact against the Ravens likely offered additional time to heal.
Reid indicated Ware should be ready for more snaps in Week 16’s contest against the Cleveland Browns.
“I think he’ll be ready this week,” Reid said.
The Chiefs didn’t miss Ware against the Ravens, as the ground game totaled 113 yards rushing and a touchdown on 28 attempts. West led the way with 16 carries for 76 yards and the score.
STATUS QUO ON THOMAS
Second-year wide receiver/punt returner De’Anthony Thomas hasn’t played since suffering a concussion in Week 11.
Reid preferred not to categorize the severity of the concussion, but pointed out the Chiefs will err on the side of caution.
“I don’t know how to rank those things,” Reid said. “I’m not an expert on it by any means. I know if they have the least bit of symptoms, we want to make sure that we get that cleared up.”
Reid pointed out Thomas has to the pass the concussion protocol, calling the process “pretty regimented.”
“That’s where we’re at, literally day-by-day,” Reid said.
PLAYOFF SCENARIO
The Chiefs (9-5) can clinch a playoff spot with a win in Week 16 over the Cleveland Browns (3-11), combined with a loss by the New York Jets (9-5) or Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5).
But don’t expect the Chiefs to keep tabs, at least publicly.
“I don’t talk about all of that,” Reid said. “We just try to get ourselves ready for that next game and I mentioned it yesterday, I feel like we’re just barely breaking .500 here so we’re not looking at all of that stuff. We’re just trying to focus on the job at hand here.”
The Jets host the New England Patriots (12-2), while the Steelers are on the road against the Baltimore Ravens (4-10).
The Chiefs sit a game out of the AFC West behind the Denver Broncos (10-4) with two games remaining in the regular season.
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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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