Aug 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) in action against the Cincinnati Bengals during the preseason opener at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles did not make the trip to Carolina for Sunday night’s preseason game against the Panthers.
Charles is dealing with a bruised foot and the Chiefs are taking a precautionary route with the All-Pro running back, according to a team spokesman.
The same precaution applies to rookie wide receiver Albert Wilson and running back Joe McKnight, according to the team spokesman. Wilson and McKnight did not travel with the team.
Wilson suffered an ankle injury during the first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He attempted to practice on Aug. 9 before leaving the field. Wilson returned to the field on Aug. 10 and practiced the rest of training camp.
McKnight, who started training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list following a knee scope, was medically cleared on Aug. 4. McKnight did not dress for the preseason opener, but has practiced fully since coming off the PUP list.
Meanwhile, Charles’ absence means more playing time for second-year pro Knile Davis, rookie De’Anthony Thomas, Cyrus Gray and rookie Charcandrick West.
Davis, who is second on the depth chart behind Charles, will likely see most of the first-team repetitions. The Chiefs will rotate Thomas, Gray and West as the game progresses.
Thomas, in particular, could also see time with the first-team offense in certain packages as either a running back or lining up as a receiver.
The other players not making the trip to Charlotte are strong safety Eric Berry (right heel), defensive end Mike DeVito (hand), defensive end Mike Catapano (illness), defensive end Kona Schwenke (shoulder), inside linebacker Josh Mauga (groin), defensive back Sanders Commings (ankle) and cornerback Damond Smith (abductor strain).
Berry, DeVito and Catapano also did not play in the first preseason game.
Commings is recovering from ankle surgery and a fractured fibula.
