The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a blow Sunday morning when athletic trainer Rick Burkholder announced that running back Spencer Ware would most likely be out for the year after needing season-ending knee surgery. While the medical staff stated they will exhaust all options, the most likely resolution for Ware’s torn PCL will be surgery. Rookie running back Kareem Hunt will be the starter moving forward according to head coach Andy Reid.
Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Spencer Ware Out for Year
Ware tore his PCL against the Seattle Seahawks in Friday night’s third pre-season game. Lined up as a wide receiver on a screen play, Ware caught a pass from Alex Smith, sorted his way up field, and was subsequently tackled. Nothing stood out, except as Ware attempted to stand up, he fell back to the ground in crippling pain.
Ware would not get up again, and instead had to be carted from the field. His face was both in clear pain and sadness as he went off the field. Fans and coaches both recognized a serious injury could have occurred.
The worst of fears was confirmed during Sunday morning press conferences with the media. Burkholder reiterated that the excellent training staff would, “exhaust all options,” before determining Ware will be out for the year. However, at this point it is more likely than not Ware will be out for the 2017 season.
Head coach Reid stated that rookie running back Hunt would take over the starting role. Hunt is the Chiefs third round pick from Tulane, and has had a decent showing during the pre-season thus far. Also in the mix will be tenured backup Charcandrick West and free-agent signing C.J. Spiller.
The Chiefs were set to make Ware a premier part of their offense and groom Hunt in a number two role. However, that plan is now being escalated as the rookie will take on the onus of the Chiefs legendary running attack.
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