Chiefs’ Ware likely out for 2017 season
KANSAS CITY, MO.» The Chiefs are preparing to play this season without their top running back.
Spencer Ware suffered a torn posterior cruciate ligament and other damage in his right knee during Friday night’s game in Seattle, an MRI exam revealed. The Chiefs plan to seek a second opinion, but their medical staff believes he will require season-ending surgery.
Ware was injured while fighting for extra yardage early in the Chiefs’ preseason loss to the Seahawks.
Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said Sunday that players with a torn PCL can often get back on the field through rehab. But he said additional damage to the outside back corner of Ware’s right knee compounds the issue, and “at this point in time our medical staff believes he needs season-ending surgery.”
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said third-round draft pick Kareem Hunt will be the starting tailback for the regular-season opener Sept. 7 at New England. Charcandrick West and C.J. Spiller likely will serve as backups.
“With all these significant injuries, we’ll exhaust all our options and look at second opinions and then do what’s best for Spencer’s knee and his career,” Burkholder said. “We’re in that space right now, evaluating what’s going on. But right now our medical staff believes he needs surgery.”
Meredith has knee injury.
TENN.» The Bears suspect that wide receiver Cameron Meredith injured his left ACL during the first quarter of Sunday’s game at Tennessee, according to coach John Fox.
Meredith was carted off the field after being tackled low by safety Johnathan Cyprien at the end of a 16-yard reception. Meredith’s left leg twisted upon contact as he braced for the hit.
He was writhing in pain for a few minutes before being helped onto a cart, with an air cast supporting his left leg.
Fox said the Bears will know more about Meredith’s status after an MRI of his injury.
Burfict faces suspension.
Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict is facing a five-game suspension for a hit against Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman, ESPN reported.
Burfict plans to appeal the suspension. He is considered a repeat offender.
Burfict lost the first three games of the 2016 season after the league penalized him for multiple hard hits, culminating in the highlypublicized collision with Steelers receiver Antonio Brown in the playoffs.
Vikings win in walk-off.
Taylor Heinicke led a late charge and dived over the pylon for a 2point conversion on the final play that gave the Vikings a 32-31 win over the 49ers after Terrell Newby’s touchdown run with no time left tied the game.
It capped a 14-play, 63yard final drive.
Footnotes.
Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens suffered a tibial plateau fracture in his right knee Saturday against the Raiders and will need eight weeks to recover from the injury. … Rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer will start the Browns’ season opener against Pittsburgh, the 27th QB to start for Cleveland since 1999. … The Jets acquired safety Terrence Brooks from the Eagles for cornerback Dexter McDougle in a trade of 2014 draft picks. … Michael Vick has joined Fox Sports as an NFL analyst.