KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (knee) returned to practice Thursday, albeit in a limited fashion, after not practicing Wednesday.
While there are some growing concerns Charles is being overworked, offensive coordinator Doug Pederson pointed out during Thursday’s media session why Charles remains heavily involved.
Oct 27, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
“Well, knowing he’s one of your more explosive players, you’re going to try and get him the ball as much as you can,” Pederson said. “That’s just the nature of it.”
Pederson adds players have reached the point of the season where having an understanding of how to take care of themselves is important, but he’s aware it’s also the responsibility of the coaching staff.
“We understand, as coaches, if we need to give them a day and not practice them, rest them and all of that,” Pederson said. “We just need him (Charles) home for Sunday, and he’ll be one of those guys ready to go.”
Meanwhile, joining Charles as limited are wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (groin) and tight end Anthony Fasano (ankle, knee).
Bowe, who strained his groin late last week, put in a full practice Wednesday before Thursday’s designation. Asked if Bowe had any lingering limitations from last week, offensive coordinator Doug Pederson didn’t appear concerned.
“No, not really,” Pederson said. “He was fine during pregame. He came out and was good during the game.”
Fasano’s listing as limited should be the norm until further notice. Fasano said two weeks ago when he returned to the lineup he’d continue to deal with the injury.
Putting in a full practice are wide receiver Donnie Avery (shoulder), right tackle Eric Fisher (knee, back), safety Kendrick Lewis (ankle), tight end Sean McGrath (knee), linebacker Dezman Moses (toe), cornerback Ron Parker (toe) and fullback Anthony Sherman (knee, calf).
As for the Bills, quarterback Thad Lewis (ribs) missed a second straight day of practice. Buffalo could end up deciding between Jeff Tuel or Matt Flynn for Sunday’s game.
Two Buffalo players who missed Wednesday returned to the practice field. Wide receiver Stevie Johnson (hip) is listed as a limited participant, while running back Fred Jackson (knee) put in a full practice.
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Thursday’s official NFL Injury Report, as released by the league:
Kansas City Chiefs
Out (definitely will not play): DL Mike Catapano (ankle)
Did not practice
Wednesday: RB Jamaal Charles (knee)
Limited participation
Wednesday: TE Anthony Fasano (ankle, knee), CB Ron Parker (toe)
Thursday: WR Dwayne Bowe (groin), RB Jamaal Charles (knee), TE Anthony Fasano (knee, ankle)Full participation
Wednesday: WR Donnie Avery (shoulder), WR Dwayne Bowe (groin), T Eric Fisher (knee, back), S Kendrick Lewis (ankle), TE Sean McGrath (knee), LB Dezman Moses (toe), FB Anthony Sherman (knee, calf)
Thursday: WR Donnie Avery (shoulder), T Eric Fisher (knee, back), S Kendrick Lewis (ankle), TE Sean McGrath (knee), LB Dezman Moses (toe), CB Ron Parker (toe), FB Anthony Sherman (knee, calf)Buffalo Bills
Practice report
Did not practice
Wednesday: RB Fred Jackson (knee), WR Steve Johnson (hip), QB Thaddeus Lewis (ribs), DT Kyle Williams (achilles)
Thursday: WR Chris Hogan (back), QB Thaddeus Lewis (ribs)Limited participation
Wednesday: WR Marquise Goodwin (elbow), LB Manny Lawson (hamstring), QB E.J. Manuel (knee), RB C.J. Spiller (ankle), G Kraig Urbik (knee)
Thursday: WR Steve Johnson (hip), LB Manny Lawson (hamstring), QB E.J. Manuel (knee), CB Brandon Smith (illness), RB C.J. Spiller (ankle)Full participation
Thursday: WR Marquise Goodwin (elbow), RB Fred Jackson (knee), G Kraig Urbik (knee), DT Kyle Williams (achilles)
