Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is averaging 24.5 touches per week through the first six weeks of the season, which puts him on pace for 392 on the season.
That’s a hefty number for any back and especially so for a back that’s already dealt with minor injuries to his quad and toes this season. According to Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson, though, Charles’ workload is only going to rise as the season progresses.
“He’s a guy who steadily wants a little more each week, a little more responsibility, and the more he gets comfortable in our system and what we’re asking him to do, we’ll put a little more on his plate,” Pederson said, via the Kansas City Star. “He’s so explosive, and we want to be able to use him in that fashion and create matchups in our favor.”
Charles is leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage and the Chiefs have been winning behind a ground-heavy offensive attack , which makes it easy to understand why the Chiefs would want to keep feeding him the ball as much as possible. Since he’s accounted for 775 of the 1,958 yards they’ve gained on offense this season, the Chiefs will need to be mindful of the risk of Charles wearing down when formulating plans for his workload. Absent an upgrade from Knile Davis at the No. 2 back, the Chiefs wouldn’t be able to thrive should Charles wind up on the sideline.