Charles underwent knee surgery Wednesday, which went so well that "there is a shot to come back this year," according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

EDGE Analysis

The timing of Charles' placement on IR came at a fortuitous time, as he must log eight weeks on the list before he can be activated. Considering it's Week 9, the potential exists for the running back to return for the season finale, but his recovery will likely have to go swimmingly in order to do so. Meanwhile, Spencer Ware's upcoming availability is in question due to a concussion, which could place the onus of the rushing attack on the shoulders of Charcandrick West.

The Chiefs placed Charles (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Charles' season debut was delayed to Week 4 due to his recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee, after which he mustered just 12 carries for 40 yards, one rushing touchdown, and two receptions (on three targets) for 14 yards across three games. In advance of that last tilt with the Saints in Week 7, he experienced swelling in the knee and was limited to two snaps. After sitting out this past Sunday versus the Colts, he was scheduled for a checkup with Dr. James Andrews, who must have found enough to recommend that the Chiefs shut down Charles for the season. Although the severity of Charles' current injury isn't known, the backfield should be in competent hands, whether it's Spencer Ware (assuming he emerges from the concussion protocol) or Charcandrick West.

Coach Andy Reid relayed that Charles -- who was inactive Sunday -- is slated to have his knee checked out by Dr. James Andrews this coming week, NFL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With fellow RB Spencer Ware having left Sunday's win over the Colts with a concussion, the Chiefs' backfield situation will be one to monitor as Week 9's game against the Jaguars approaches. For now, Charcandrick West -- who carried 14 times for 52 yards Sunday -- is the team's healthiest running back.

Charles (knee) won't play Sunday against the Colts, BJ Kissel of Chiefs.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Charles' knee having acted up after the Chiefs' Oct. 16 contest, the team has elected to play it safe with the veteran back this week, with the long haul in mind. The capable play of fellow RB Spencer Ware helps facilitate this approach, with Charcandrick West also on hand to work in a complementary role.

Charles (knee) remained limited at practice Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

While Charles' availability for Sunday's game against the Colts does not appear in great danger, how he might be used in Week 8 remains unclear, with Spencer Ware still running well and Charcandrick West also in the Chiefs' backfield mix.

Charles (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday, the Kansas City Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

We'd expect Charles to be available Sunday against the Colts, though with his surgically-repaired knee having acted up last week and Spencer Ware still running well, when the veteran back may see enough touches to merit fantasy lineup consideration remains unclear.

Head coach Andy Reid emphasized that the team will remain cautious with Charles (knee), Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star reports. "It seems like there's a rush on (his return), but if you really look at what's real, it's a long season," Reid said. "And we'll need him as we go, and I'm trying to be smart with it."

EDGE Analysis

Charles dealt with swelling in his surgically-repaired knee in the days leading up to Sunday's game against the Saints. While it seems to have only been a minor setback, the 29-year-old running back was still limited to just one carry (for no gain) on two snaps in Sunday's contest, with the Chiefs unsurprisingly opting for a cautious approach. Spencer Ware's emergence has allowed the team to be careful without sacrificing too much, but it does seem there's still hope for Charles to play a starring role at some point before the end of the season. The immediate outlook remains a major question mark, potentially shaping up as a mystery on a week-to-week basis. Ware figures to once again lead the way in Week 8 against Indianapolis, but it's possible Charles could still take on an increased role if the swelling in his knee subsides.

Charles (knee) carried once for no gain, and didn't see a single target Sunday against the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

Charles played just two snaps while fellow running back Spencer Ware led the Chiefs in both receiving and rushing yardage. Charcandrick West served as the backup, suggesting Charles was too limited by his surgically repaired knee to play any more than he did. The veteran will be tough to trust until he demonstrates that he's healthy.

Charles (knee) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

Though Charles is in uniform Sunday, it remains to be seen how heavily he'll be utilized this week, with fellow RB Spencer Ware having been producing well this season, both initially in Charles' absence, and then in the two subsequent contests that Charles has suited up for since his return from a knee injury.

ESPN's Adam Schefter relays that the Chiefs are reportedly optimistic that Charles will be able to suit up Sunday against the Saints, "with a limited workload."

EDGE Analysis

Schefter adds that the team wants to see Charles test things out pre-game to be sure, but this is a more optimistic take on the running back's Week 7 status than a report via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport suggesting that Charles' playing status was in doubt. We'll have confirmation, one way or the other, in advance of Sunday's 1:00 ET kickoff. Even if Charles does suit up Sunday, we wouldn't expect to see him see a ton of snaps, with fellow RB Spencer Ware playing so well.