Throughout the next 24 hours, we’ll provide you with the latest news on Ware’s status and whether he will play against the Chargers. Check back in the lead up to kickoff to get an official answer. For updates on Tyreek Hill, click here; for more on Melvin Gordon, go here.
Week 15 Rankings:Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | D/ST | Kicker
Is Spencer Ware playing Thursday night?
UPDATE: Ware is officially OUT.
Ware’s official designation on the Chiefs’ injury report, per B.J. Kissel, is “doubtful.” Obviously, this isn’t good news for Ware, as it appears that he simply didn’t have enough time to recover from the injuries this week to get back on the field. As a result, he will probably be out against the Chargers and will use the mini-bye to heal up for a potential Week 16 clash with the Seahawks.
With Ware likely out, the Chiefs once again are unsettled at the RB position. That said, it seems likely that Damien Williams will take over as the top option in the backfield. Williams saw 12 touches last week against the Ravens. While he only managed 30 scrimmage yards, he did score a couple of times and totaled 15 fantasy points. If he can continue to be a TD threat and get some more yards against a softer Chargers defense, he could work his way into RB2 territory as a fine replacement for Ware.
WEEK 15 PPR RANKINGS: Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end
If you are a Ware owner scrambling to find a replacement for him, Williams may be your best option – provided that he’s still available on the waiver wire. If he is, waste no time adding him to your team as a potential plug-and-play for the semifinals in most fantasy leagues.
Other RB options on the Chiefs include the recently re-signed Charcandrick West and backup Darrel Williams. That said, it seems more likely that West will play a small role as a pass-catching back. But realistically, he’s nothing more than a very speculative FLEX play or as an add for depth purposes.
In terms of how this injury may impact the rest of the Chiefs’ offense, Ware’s injury may make the Chiefs pass a bit more than normal. That could give Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill (if he plays), and Travis Kelce a small stock up, but nothing out of the ordinary. The Chiefs passing offense is already great, and the impact truly is minimal, at most.
If Ware is surprisingly active, it will probably be best to avoid the Chiefs’ backfield for fantasy purposes, as it could become a true carry split between a less-than-100 percent Ware and Damien Williams. We’ll keep you updated on all the latest developments right up until kickoff.
