Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles looks ready to get his first action on the field of the season for Kansas City’s Sunday night football showdown at the Pittsburgh Steelers. The All-Pro running back is active for the first time this season.
Aug. 21, 2015; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles runs the ball during the first half of preseason action against the Seattle Seahawks at Arrowhead Stadium. (Chris Neal/The Topeka Capital-Journal)
How much Charles plays remains up to the debate, particularly with damp field conditions at Heinz Field. The team also has Spencer Ware and Knile Davis active at running back. Charcandrick West is among the inactives with an ankle injury.
The Chiefs also have starting offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif back in the lineup after missing two games with a high-ankle sprain. He draws the start at right guard, while Zach Fulton fills in at left guard.
Offensive lineman Parker Ehinger is active in a backup role, making his return after a suffering a concussion and foot injury. He practiced with the team this week and rotated in at guard with the starters, according to coach Andy Reid.
Cornerback Phillip Gaines is not active for the Chiefs, a week after tweaking his knee against the New York Jets. Cornerback Kenneth Acker is active in his place.
Reid indicated Friday that cornerback Steven Nelson would draw the start opposite Marcus Peters if Gaines could not play. His absence should mean increased usage of safety Daniel Sorensen and cornerback D.J. White in the team’s nickle and dime defensive formations.
The Steelers are missing several starters, including right guard Ramon Foster, fullback Roosevelt Nix, linebacker Ryan Shazier and safety Robert Golden.
Full inactive list for both teams:
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: QB Tyler Bray, WR De’Anthony Thomas, CB Phillip Gaines, RB Charcandrick West, OL Jordan Devey, OL Jah Reid and LB Sam Barrington
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: G Ramon Foster, S Robert Golden, CB Senquez Golson, FB Roosevelt Nix, WR Eli Rogers, LB Ryan Shazier and C/G Cody Wallace
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Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and the Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
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