Reid unsure Jamaal Charles will be ready for opener

The Kansas City Chiefs might be without Jamaal Charles to open the season against the San Diego Chargers.

Coach Andy Reid told reporters Friday that the running back could sit out Week 1, but didn't rule Charles out.

"I think Jamaal is going to need a little time to keep working to get himself back," Reid said, via ESPN. "We'll see how he does after a couple of days off."

Charles continues to rehab from an ACL tear he suffered in Week 5 last season. The 29-year-old sat out the preseason as the Chiefs took it slow with their Pro Bowl running back. Reid will remain cautious.

The good news for K.C. fans is the Chiefs proved last season they could withstand Charles' absence, with one of the deepest backfields in the NFL.

Spencer Ware would be in line for the start. The bruising back was the Chiefs' best runner down the stretch last season when he compiled 403 yards on 72 attempts (5.6 average per tote). Ware continued to look like the team's best back throughout training camp and preseason. Charcandrick West will be the primary backup in K.C.'s committee approach.

When Charles eventually returns, expect that committee approach to continue, especially early in the season.