As Andy Reid said, you don't really replace Jamaal Charles.
"You know you're not going to replace Jamaal," Reid said Monday. "He's one of the best - really, when it's all said and done - one of the best in the history of the game."
So you can't fully replace him but the Chiefs need to trot someone out there. Here are their options...
In-house first, free agents second
The Chiefs are reportedly working out free agent RBs Ben Tate and Pierre Thomas. Both have their strengths (can catch the ball well) and weaknesses (they're available in October for a reason). But the team will be looking in-house first.
"We've got workouts going on with other positions, so I'll talk with (Dorsey) later today and see what his thoughts are, but we normally just look in-house first and go from there."
I'm sure there are other free agent workouts we don't know about. Those workouts usually take place on Tuesdays during the NFL week.
Knile Davis and Charcandrick West
Even if the Chiefs bring someone else in, I would expect these two to be the main backs this year because of their experience and the time the Chiefs have invested in them. Davis is in his third season with the team while West is in his second.
Andy Reid said that West is closer to Jamaal Charles in terms of the style of running while Davis is "a one-cut guy and he's going to bring all 225 pounds with him."
De'Anthony Thomas
Andy Reid mentioned him first when asked about replacing Jamaal and said that he has experience at running back. And he does ... kind of. DAT has 19 carries in his career. He's not an every down player and I can't imagine the Chiefs would use him that way. He might see a few more carries here and there but I don't see him being a full-time answer to the problem.
Spencer Ware
He was with the team this offseason and is now on the practice squad. He played fullback this offseason but has experience doing both fullback and tailback. Sounds like he can block, too.
"We thought he had a good preseason and training camp," Reid said. "He had the opportunity to play both spots, which makes him valuable, obviously that's why we kept him. He's got good hands and is a good blocker."
Former Chiefs?
I have heard Chiefs fans mention Joe McKnight, who caught two touchdowns against the Dolphins last year before tearing his ACL, and Cyrus Gray, who was cut this offseason. I haven't heard any official reports indicating the Chiefs have interest in either of them.