The Chiefs have experimented with a few approaches in their backfield since Jamaal Charles’ season-ending injury.
Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster have seen plenty of work. A committee has been used. For now, that plan seems out the window because Jackie Battle will get his shot to be a lead running back.
Offensive coordinator Bill Muir confirmed that on Friday.
“We basically have a plan in terms of not equally distributing the carries,” Muir said, “but certain plays we maybe like with a certain player.”
An undrafted player in 2007, Battle has more ability than Jones at this point to churn out tough yards. He’s more of an every-down back than McCluster. The Chiefs have showed they can run the ball even without Charles this year, ranking sixth in rushing yards-per-game thus far.
A big effort by Battle against the Kyle Boller Raiders could have the Chiefs right back in the AFC West race.