KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs had plenty to be disappointed about in Sunday's 23-7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Between big plays allowed on defense and an ineffective offense, this one can easily be forgotten, but the Chiefs were frustrated with the play of rookie Knile Davis.

The Chiefs looked to be getting into a comfort zone with Davis, a running back and kickoff returner. But against Indianapolis, Davis touched the ball four times and fumbled it twice, losing one.

Chiefs RB Knile Davis fumbles the ball during the first half against the Colts at Arrowhead Stadium. Denny Medley/USA TODAY Sports

Davis was a notorious fumbler in college at Arkansas and had trouble holding on to it during off-season practice, training camp and the preseason. But he had gotten better and even scored a touchdown in the three previous games, so the Chiefs thought that perhaps Davis had conquered the problem.

Not so, evidently.

"You can't touch the ball four times a game and put two of them on the ground," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "You can't do that. He knows that. There's an answer to that. We've identified the problem. We've got to make sure we get that taken care of when things are live.

"He's a pretty conscientious kid, smart kid. I trust he'll get that taken care of."

Davis indicated as much after the game.

"I didn't have two hands on it," Davis said. "You have to have two hands on it at all times. When I get my opportunity, I'm going to be better next week. I'm looking forward to it."

The problem is that Davis has promised before he would solve the problem and he hasn't. Davis could eventually be the replacement for Jamaal Charles as the featured back and it would benefit them to know heading into the offseason whether he is indeed capable of that.

That's another reason the Chiefs should sit Charles and play Davis on Sunday in the final regular season game against the Chargers in San Diego. In addition to keeping Charles rested and healthy for the playoffs, the Chiefs can get that good look at Davis.

Give him the ball 25 times. Hand it to him, throw it to him, let him pass protect. For better or for worse.

"Do I think he can step in? Yes," Reid said. "We have to feel that way, because up to this point that's what we've done. If Jamaal ever went down, he's the guy that steps in and goes."