Chiefs running back Spencer Ware left the field on a cart during the first quarter of their game against the Seahawks on Friday after suffering a right knee injury on a 6-yard reception. The Chiefs confirmed the injury, but the severity remains unknown.
The Seahawks were the first NFL employer for Ware, who entered the league as a sixth-round pick of theirs in 2013. He joined the Chiefs a year later and, after a strong 2015 campaign in reserve, became their go-to to running back last season amid now-Bronco Jamaal Charles‘ injury troubles. Ware ended up rushing for 921 yards on 214 carries and adding five touchdowns (three rushing, two receiving), to go with 33 catches and 447 yards. If healthy, he’s likely to reprise his role as their starter this year, though whether he’ll be physically up to it is now in question.
The Chiefs, who will seek their third straight playoff berth in 2017, did attempt to bolster their backfield behind Ware in the offseason. The team spent a third-round pick on former Toledo star Kareem Hunt, who came in after Ware departed Friday, and signed onetime 1,000-yard rusher C.J. Spiller. Charcandrick West is also on hand, but he averaged just 3.3 yards per carry on 88 attempts last season.