Kansas City Chiefs

Will Jamaal Charles play on Sunday?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Kansas City Chiefs are 1-1 and in need of a win against the New York Jets. Will that mean the return of Jamaal Charles?

Kansas City has been waiting almost a full calendar year for running back Jamaal Charles to get back on the football field. The last time we saw Charles, he was being helped off the field in Week 5 of the 2015 regular season having just torn his ACL. It was a brutal sight, and one that has lasted into the following campaign.

After missing the entire preseason and then the first two games of the regular season, Charles is reportedly very close to playing. This week, the All-Pro has been limited in both practices, something he has been throughout the other weeks as well. Head coach Andy Reid won’t say what his plans are with Charles this weekend, which perhaps is noteworthy. In the lead-up to the past two contests, Reid has made it clear that Charles would be highly doubtful.

We will likely find out plenty this afternoon when the Chiefs and Jets both have to make their injury designations for Sunday. The NFL has gotten rid of the probable tag, which means Charles will either be listed as questionable, doubtful or out. If he’s questionable, it will be the first time all season he’s made it that far. Last week, Charles warmed up with the team on Sunday before the Texans’ game, perhaps saying that the progress is real.

Kansas City desperately needs Charles back in the fold. While Spencer Ware has been terrific (6.0 yards per carry and leading the team in receiving), Charles is an otherworldly talent. If he comes back on Sunday, this game gets even more interesting.