Jackie

Battle

“We’ll do whatever we’ve got to do to win the game,” Muir said. “Wherever (Jones has) been, he’s loved to carry the ball.” With Dexter McCluster expected to be limited to 10-to-14 touches per game, Jones will shoulder the rest of the load. He has no upside, but is at least worth a flier in deeper leagues. Le’Ron McClain and Jackie Battle could eventually be in line for carries, but for now they’re off the radar in even exceptionally deep formats.

Despite his impressive pre-draft measurables, Battle doesn’t play like he runs a 4.4 forty. He’s a slow, plodding runner without short-area burst. Clearly motivated, however, Battle wore down the Colts’ defense with tough running and kept his legs moving, consistently falling forward. Battle certainly can get what’s blocked, just don’t think of this as a sign of things to come. The Chiefs have a Week 6 bye before taking on the Raiders next.

Thomas Jones started and LeRon McClain was the goal-line back. But Battle was clearly the Chiefs’ best runner, consistently moving the pile and powering through arm tackles. Over the last two games, Battle is averaging 5.57 yards per carry on 35 totes. He’ll get the majority of carries once again against the Chargers next week, serving as a low-upside flex option in fantasy.

Thomas Jones is going to lose his role in the offense. “We basically have a plan in terms of not equally distributing the carries,” Muir admitted. “As a staff, we’ve always known (Jackie) has talent. Now that he the opportunity to carry the ball, I think that’s a significant thing.” Battle is averaging 5.4 yards through his first 29 carries, and could be in line for as many as 25 totes against the Raiders on Sunday. Dexter McCluster will be a situational passing-down back moving forward.

It’s the first we’ve heard of Battle since the beginning of free agency. A fringe player in Kansas City for the past five years, 2011 was Battle’s first real crack at playing time and he was highly unimpressive. He plodded to an average of four yards on 149 carries, and contributed very little in the passing game. He’d be a significant downgrade from Tolbert.

GM A.J. Smith indicated on Monday that the team was interested in four running backs to replace Mike Tolbert. With plenty of speed for a big back, yet no semblance of lateral agility, Battle wouldn’t be a threat to Ryan Mathews’ fantasy value if signed. He carries more value as a special teamer.

We like setting sights high, but Battle isn’t going to find what he’s looking for. “I’m a running back true and true,” Battle insisted. “I want to play as much running back as I can, for an opportunity to get a bigger running back role.” Battle, 28, is a poor man’s Justin Fargas and is averaging 3.76 yards per career carry. He has 14 career receptions in 48 games.

Pro Football Weekly “hears” that free agent Thomas Jones “won’t return and might retire.” Though Jackie Battle is expected to re-sign, he proved to be more special teamer than reliable runner down the stretch. Expect Pioli to target an inside runner, such as BenJarvus Green-Ellis, to team with Charles and Dexter McCluster in 2012.

The Union-Tribune San Diego confirms it “doesn’t look good” between the Chargers and Tolbert, and Tolbert’s agent clams to have received interest from “at least” a dozen teams. Unconfirmed reports have linked Jackie Battle to the Chargers as a potential low-cost alternative.

Battle led the Chiefs in carries, but Thomas Jones started and got 11 carries of his own. Interim coach Romeo Crennel knows Battle is just a replacement-level talent. Today’s 56 yards were his most since Week 10.