KANSAS CITY, Mo. One of the biggest Chiefs fans this season has been living in Dallas, watching games on television as his favorite team raced to the best record in the AFC with the leagues top offense.
He has since relocated to Kansas City and soon can contribute to their success.
I didnt think Id be back this year, running back Charcandrick West said. This is a blessing.
West was back in the Chiefs locker room Wednesday with a shorter haircut and a No. 30 jersey waiting in his cubical instead of his old No. 35.
The smile and approach were unmistakable. The Chiefs dont have a more upbeat or appreciative player on the roster than West.
This is my family, West said. Its always going to be my family.
West is here because Kareem Hunt isnt. The teams rushing leader was dismissed last Friday after a video revealed that day showed him shoving and kicking a woman in Cleveland in February. Hunt cleared waivers on Monday and went unclaimed by other NFL teams.
The Chiefs brought in running backs C.J. Anderson and West for visits on Monday and then signed West, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Chiefs before getting cut in the preseason.
The team had added Damien Williams and undrafted rookie Darrel Williams to go along with Hunt and Spencer Ware, who this year was returning from a knee injury. West was the odd man out, and the Chiefs said goodbye to a fan favorite who had originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Abeline Christian, then a Division II program.
That was a tough time for West, who was the teams leading rusher in 2015 and has 999 career rushing yards with 12 total touchdowns. He also logged nearly 200 plays on special teams.
But he remained in touch with friends on the team, guys like tight end Travis Kelce, and did his best to stay in shape after a short stint with the New York Jets didnt work out.
West probably wont suit up for Sundays game against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium, but hes working his way back.
Hes kept himself in good shape, but he hasnt been in a game for a while, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. He understands, has been around long enough to go about it.
Reid calls West an energy guy, and knows hell do whatever is asked.
Anything they need, West said. If its smile, if its a touchdown, a first down, a kickoff return, Im just happy to be here.
