Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles to take off 'training wheels’ against Raiders

Travis Durkee

Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles to take off 'training wheels’ against Raiders image

Gone are the days of Jamaal Charles easing himself into the Chiefs offense. The explosive back is ready for a full workload Sunday against the Raiders in his first real action since tearing his ACL in Week 5 of last season.

“I’m ready to let the training wheels off,” Charles said Wednesday. “I don’t want them on. I know how to ride. Take them off and let me ride.”

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Charles was active two weeks ago against the Steelers, but only played 10 snaps and carried the ball twice for 7 yards in a 43-14 loss. Now Charles claims to be “110 percent.”

In his last return from an ACL tear, Charles rushed for a career-high 1,509 yards in 2012. And, Charles said, nothing has changed at age 29.

“I feel like I’m fast, my speed never left,” he said. “My gift is speed. And I still have it. I just thank God for allowing me to keep my speed.”

Travis Durkee