The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into a crucial late-season matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers that could have a major impact on the playoff picture.

It appears that the Chiefs will be without the services of running back Spencer Ware for the contest due to a hamstring injury, according to Field Yates of ESPN.

Ware had suffered the injury during Sunday's 27-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens that forced him out of the game. It was his second of the year after the team had elected to part ways with Pro Bowler Kareem Hunt as he posted 75 rushing yards on 15 carries along with five receptions for 54 receiving yards.

In the first two games played since Hunt's departure, he has tallied 122 rushing yards and a touchdown.

This development shouldn't come as much of a surprise given that he only had a couple of days to show that he can play through the hamstring issues. It wasn't nearly enough time for him to physically allow himself to prepare for Thursday's game, but this could see him get extra rest in order to be ready to play in Week 16.

Given that the Chiefs have a potent passing game led by Patrick Mahomes, the loss of Ware shouldn't be that huge of a drop-off for Kansas City as there will be more reliance on moving the ball through the air.

His potential absence should put veteran running back Damien Williams in line to be the starter against the Chargers. Williams was productive in his limited action last week as he had eight attempts for 14 rushing yards and a touchdown along with four receptions for 16 receiving yards and a touchdown. He could have a bit of a challenge getting it going in the running game as Los Angeles ranks 11th in the league against the run.