Oct 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) is helped off the field against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Chicago won the game 18-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings are not overlooking their upcoming opponent. They host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6, and All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles won't be making the trip after tearing his ACL last Sunday.
Although Charles was responsible for more than 30 percent of the Chiefs' offensive production through the first five games, the Vikings are still wary of this week's visitors.
"It changes things a little for them just because of how much he normally does for them," Vikings nose tackle Linval Joseph said, according to Mark Craig of the Star-Tribune. "But they're an NFL team. They have more than Jamaal."
The Chiefs will turn to backup running backs Charcandrick West and Knile Davis. Combined, they have 23 carries for 75 yards this season. For reference, quarterback Alex Smith has been more productive on the ground with 26 rushing attempts for 109 yards.
"West is more similar to Jamaal," Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway said, via the Star-Tribune. "And every week, it's the same thing. Every NFL team has a great running back. Every NFL team has great receivers. And they all have good quarterbacks. Every one of those guys can beat you. I guess it gets redundant, but we just have to play our game and play well."
The Vikings, at 2-2 on the season, are chasing the undefeated Green Bay Packers in the NFC North, so they can't afford to take any opponent lightly -- even a one-win Chiefs team without Charles.
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