After meeting with Dr. James Andrews on Monday, Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said that running back Jamaal Charles had exploratory knee surgery after continuing to have discomfort.

Via KCChiefs.com

“Dr. Andrews decided that he would do an exploratory surgery [Wednesday] on his right knee, which is [where Charles had] the most recent ACL surgery. It’s thought that he might have a meniscus tear in that knee. He had some damage in that meniscus before and Dr. Andrews wants to see if it’s got a little flap in it or something that’s causing the discomfort, so we’ll know more [Wednesday] afternoon once Dr. Andrews operates on him, and we’ll see how he does from there, but he’s getting his right knee operated on [Wednesday] afternoon and we’ll know more after Dr. Andrews is in there and looks at everything in his knees. He’s going to examine everything and then he’ll let us know, so we’ll keep you updated.”

After being removed from Sunday’s game twice, the Chiefs have determined that Alex Smith is not cleared to play, adding more scrutiny to the team and league’s handling of his health.

Andy Reid said Smith is not playing because of a couple of lumps behind his ears.

“He’s in the return-to-play protocol right now,” said Reid. “He’s got lumps on the back of his ears, the cut ear, [so we’re going to] just let that heal up and let everything settle down. We’ll have a chance to evaluate.  Smith will still run the scout team, normally Foles’ role, at practice this week in preparation for Jacksonville. .

 

Spencer Ware is still in the concussion protocol and will not practice Wednesday. He has not been ruled out for the game.