AP

Spencer Ware is rushing well enough at the moment, so there’s no need to rush Jamaal Charles.

The Chiefs star running back got a single carry, as they work to protect him as he comes back from last year’s knee injury.

“Things were going OK, so I kind of let it ride there,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, via Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star. “His knee puffed up a little this week, and I’m trying to be as careful as we can with him, . . . and with him in my ear wanting to play.”

Swelling in his surgically repaired knee is obviously a concern, but the Chiefs have managed him carefully, with just 12 carries in the three games in which he has appeared.

Ware has done a solid job as their lead back, and had 17 carries for 77 yards in yesterday’s win over the Saints.

And despite Charles’ lobbying, Reid’s being very conservative with his best offensive weapon, in hopes he’ll be ready for a heavier workload later.