Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles will play Sunday against Oakland

The Chiefs will have their league’s leader in touchdowns at their disposal for their showdown against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday at Arrowhead (noon on CBS).

Running back Jamaal Charles, who has scored 14 times this season, was a full participant in Friday’s practice and is listed as probable on the Chiefs’ final injury report of the week, which means he is very likely to play even though he is dealing with knee and ankle injuries.

Charles, who did not practice Wednesday and was limited on Thursday, rushed 10 times for 91 yards and a touchdown last Sunday against Arizona. He also caught an 18-yard touchdown pass after suffering a first-half leg injury.

The injury situation is a bit murkier for two more key starters, however. Outside linebacker Tamba Hali, who has been battling a knee injury all season, missed practice Wednesday and Thursday but is listed as questionable after participating on a limited basis in Friday’s practice.

Also, cornerback Phillip Gaines, who suffered a concussion in practice on Wednesday — his second of the year, at the least — was a limited participant in practice Friday after sitting out on Thursday and is listed as doubtful.

If Gaines can’t go, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Jamell Fleming — who hasn’t played in six games because of a hamstring injury but is no longer listed on the injury report — and Marcus Cooper, who lost his starting job after the season’s first month, are the next men up.

When asked how Cooper has handled his demotion Friday, Reid was complimentary

“He’s a class-act, Coop,” Reid said. “He works hard and he’s handled it very well. He tries to get better every day.”

The Chiefs will also be without defensive end Allen Bailey, who will miss his second straight game because of a concussion.

Defensive end Vance Walker started in his place last week against the Cardinals and finished with four tackles and a quarterback hurry, would figure to be the favorite to get the start, although stout run-stopping defensive end Kevin Vickerson should figure into the mix, as well.

Eight other Chiefs are nicked up but are listed as probable on the injury report; tight end Anthony Fasano (knee), linebacker Joe Mays (knee), receiver Donnie Avery (groin), safety Husain Abdullah (foot), receiver Junior Hemingway (concussion), linebacker James-Michael Johnson (back/knee), cornerback Chris Owens (knee) and cornerback Sean Smith (groin).

Raiders injury report

A handful of key starters for the Raiders are banged up heading into the game.

Right tackle Menelik Watson is out because of a foot/ankle injury, while linebacker Sio Moore is questionable because of a hip injury and did not practice Friday. Cornerback Tarell Brown (ankle/foot) was limited Friday and is questionable.

This story was originally published December 12, 2014 at 3:46 PM with the headline "Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles will play Sunday against Oakland."