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The status of Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles remains up in the air. At least that's what Reid told reporters after Wednesday's Chiefs training camp practice.
Reid: Charles could've gone today if necessary ... Friday is up in the air, officially. #chiefs #nfl
— SeanKeeler (@SeanKeeler) August 14, 2013
Andy Reid says Jamaal Charles could have practiced today if "push came to shove." #Chiefs
— Dave Skretta (@APdaveskretta) August 14, 2013
Other reporters at camp, including Ross Martin of the St. Joe News-Press, reported that Charles was spotted at practice on Wednesday but, like Tuesday, did not participate. The Chiefs were not in pads during Wednesday's practice so the other players were pad-less just like Charles.
Also confirmed: Charles can walk up a hill...
Here is a (terrible) picture of Jamaal Charles (top) and other injured players walking a hill. #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/cLwlpwz9nf
— Nick Carboni (@NCarboni) August 14, 2013
....good news?
According to the (other) AP's Dave Skretta, Reid will make the decision on starters playing time in the second preseason game on Wednesday or Thursday.
If Charles can't go, Knile Davis would step into his spot. He is second on the depth chart at the moment followed by Shaun Draughn and Cyrus Gray. Davis is a powerful runner who has had issues with drops and fumbles in camp and in his time at Arkansas. Davis also returned a kick 79 yards last week against the New Orleans Saints. At the very least we would get to see him receive more snaps.
Overall, the signs continue to be encouraging ... at least in the long-term. Charles' status for Friday night is officially up in the air but if you asked Chiefs fans I bet most of them would say the smart move is to sit Charles.
Actually, let's just go ahead and throw this to a poll. Should Charles play on Friday night?