Jamaal Charles has never really had a chance. When Larry Johnson was suspended last season because of "Spitgate," Kolby Smith got the majority of the work. With Smith on the PUP list and L.J. sputtering this season, Charles remained a strict reserve despite a 5.3 yards per carry mark for his career (Johnson is getting 2.7 yards per carry this season).

That's all about to change. Ever since Charles was a healthy scratch in Week 2, Todd Haley has had nothing but good things to say about his second-year back. Last week, Haley said that Charles is "starting to get it" and that Charles is "growing on him." Haley raved about Charles' blitz pickups, saying "he's probably our best pass protector as a back as far as understanding who he's supposed to block."

As we all know by now, Johnson is suspended for this week. And there's a good chance he has played his last down as a Chief. So when Haley yesterday said that he's "hopeful" Charles will "grab this opportunity by the horns," we can believe that the Texas product is finally getting that chance. Haley has said enough to make us think that he views the lightning fast Charles as more of a feature back than Herm Edwards ever did.

So will Charles grab it by the horns on Sunday? He can't ask for a much better matchup. The Jaguars are giving up 128.3 yards per game at a 4.3 yards per carry clip on the ground. They have a lot of trouble with small, quick backs - something that Charles most certainly is.

Here are the concerns:

* The Chiefs' offensive line is one of the worst units in the league. At least C Rudy Niswanger and LT Branden Albert are expected to play, which should help.
* Kolby Smith is likely to be activated off the PUP for this week's game. But is he really ready to step in and carry a significant load right away? Don't expect many carries for Smith.
* Charles has a reputation for fumbling. It landed him in Haley's doghouse, but as you can see he's out of it now. As long as he doesn't go Steve Slaton on us Sunday it shouldn't be an issue.

The Chiefs are desperate for someone to make them forget about Larry Johnson. Charles is going to get a chance to be that guy.

Editor's Note: For rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 9, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass..

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
Chris Cooley admitted that he's "not really getting around so well" on his surgically repaired ankle and will seek a second opinion. That Week 12 target date for his return doesn't sound good and would probably be silly anyway. This Redskins team is going nowhere and Cooley shouldn't push his ankle to get back at less than 100 percent. Fred Davis is going to have a lot of fantasy eyes on him Sunday and could keep the job straight through the rest of the year.

NEWS OF THE DAY #3
Brian Westbrook (concussion) was medically cleared to return to game action and practiced in full yesterday. He'll almost certainly play against the Cowboys Sunday, but in what role? He said he was starting to feel like his old self before that concussion, but LeSean McCoy played well once again in the veteran's absence. Expect a series by series rotation for this week. Westbrook still has a chance to get more of a 70-30 edge in this timeshare when crunch time hits, making him a decent "buy low."

Editor's Note: For rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 9, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass..

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: RUNNING BACKS
Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) sat out practice Wednesday, as usual. He'll be fine for Sunday. … Donald Brown (shoulder) practiced Wednesday and expects to be a game-time decision this week. … Darren McFadden (knee) practiced and seems close to returning. … Sammy Morris (knee) is showing no signs of getting back on the field.

INJURY QUICK SLANT: QUARTERBACKS:
Matthew Stafford (knee) was limited in practice but will almost certainly play this week. … Matt Hassel beck (ribs) will be limited all week but should be fine for his tasty matchup. … Aaron Rodgers (foot) didn't practice Wednesday but is fine.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS:
The Falcons didn't practice Wednesday, but said that if they did Roddy White (knee) wouldn't have participated. We're not worried. … Calvin Johnson (knee) practiced on a limited basis and we're tentatively expecting him to play. … Mario Manningham (shoulder) returned to a limited practice after being inactive last week. … Anquan Boldin (ankle) is likely to sit out this week. … Anthony Gonzalez is going for a second opinion on his knee and doesn't sounds anywhere close to returning. … Jermichael Finley (knee) won't practice this week and will almost certainly sit this week out. … Donald Driver (stinger) skipped practice Wednesday but should be fine for Sunday. … Lance Moore (ankle) is in a walking boot and missed practice.

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
Lions coach Jim Schwartz confirmed that he's sticking with Kevin Smith as his "workhorse." … The Browns won't name a starting QB for Week 10 until Monday, but we fully expect them to stick with Derek Anderson. … Vernon Davis doesn't think he'll have to block more with LT Joe Staley out for the season. … Jamal Lewis said once again that he plans on retiring after the season. … Edgerrin James was dumped by the Seahawks. … Texans coach Gary Kubiak reiterated that he plans on using all three of his running backs Sunday.