Spencer Ware

Ware received a cold reception in free agency despite his high-level production in Kansas City, which could be due to durability concerns (knee/hamstring). He was efficient as a pass catcher in Kansas City, especially for such a big back, as his last 65 targets went for 53 catches and 671 yards. Ware might need Indianapolis to keep four RBs if he's to stick on the final roster, because he'll otherwise compete with Jordan Wilkins and Jonathan Williams for a single spot. Ware's cause took a hit when he opened training camp on the PUP list with an unspecified muscle injury.

Ware entered training camp last year as the starting running back for the Chiefs, though it was widely expected that rookie Kareem Hunt would eventually push him for playing time. One preseason injury later, and Hunt is the NFL's reigning rushing champ and Ware is just trying to prove he can still contribute after missing all 2017 following surgery to repair two ligaments in his knee. Prior to his injury, the 2013 sixth-round pick had turned himself into a dependable three-down option, using his size to grind out yards after contact and showing surprising utility as a receiver. If he's 100 percent healthy again, he should be able to fight off a host of challengers for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, a role that could provide him with steady work as coach Andy Reid tries to find a way not to burn out Hunt. Ware will have a lot to prove in the preseason, including his health, before he can lock down that job.

With Jamaal Charles on the sidelines for most of the 2016 season due to ongoing knee problems, Ware stepped into the breach and established himself as a solid starting option for the Chiefs. While he's not the most physically gifted running back, lacking the electric speed or elusiveness of his predecessor, the 5-10, 229-pound Ware keeps his pads low and feet moving to pick up yards after contact. He also worked hard to become an asset in the passing game, finishing sixth among RBs in receiving yards, after catching just six passes for five yards the season before. He dominated the red-zone and goal-line work for Kansas City, but those touches didn't translate into touchdowns. Ware was expected to enter Week 1 as the Chiefs' starting running back, but a knee injury suffered in the third week of the preseason likely will require season-ending surgery. His standing in the Kansas City backfield in 2018 largely will depend on how Kareem Hunt performs in his stead this season.

Not long ago, Ware was seen more as a special-teams player and perhaps as more of a fullback than a halfback. But with Jamaal Charles' injury and Knile Davis' poor play last year, Ware and Charcandrick West were pressed into significant action — and it was Ware who was, by far, the most successful runner. Ware's bread and butter is the inside game, where he relishes contact and regularly keeps the pile moving. Even if the Chiefs have Charles healthy for most of 2016, it's possible Ware could carve out the short-yardage and goal-line work. But don't look for Ware in your hurry-up package — he caught just six passes last year, for all of five yards.

A sixth-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Ware will have a reserve running back role with Kansas City after spending time with Seattle last season. He is also capable of playing fullback and helping out on special teams.

Ware missed almost all of last season to an ankle injury. He can play both running back and fullback, but he did not make the Seahawks' final roster.

If Ware can put to rest character concerns, the rookie out of LSU could see occasional backup carries in Seattle at some point this season.