Jamaal Charles Injury: Latest Updates on Chiefs RB's Neck

Jamaal Charles was forced to leave Thursday night's contest after a helmet-to-helmet collision with Chargers linebacker Donald Butler midway through the fourth quarter.

U-T San Diego beat writer Michael Gehlken reports:

"

Running back Jamaal Charles (neck) questionable to return.

— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) November 2, 2012"

The Chiefs star running back was able to walk off the field under his own power, but not before lying on the ground and being tended to for several minutes.

The injury is being called a “neck” issue, but this has concussion written all over it. Charles was not getting his name in the paper before the hit, but not for lack of trying, as the Chiefs coaching staff only called Charles' number 12 times up to that point in the fourth quarter.

He finished with 66 total yards on five receptions and the aforementioned 12 carries. His longest run of the game was 22 yards.

Romeo Crennel failed to notice Charles in the lineup when he was healthy; now he won't actually have his star player on the field.

Add Charles' injury to the long list of bad fortune to this Kansas City team, which now stands with the worst record in the league at 1-7. They have yet to lead a game in regulation this season.

Without their best offensive player at their disposal, that dreadful distinction could carry on for much longer.