Port Arthur’s Jamaal Charles hopes to return to action for the Kansas City Chiefs by the 17th and final week of the NFL regular season, according to an NFL Network report.

Charles, who graduated from Memorial High in 2005, has not played since making one carry for no gain in a Week 7 home game against New Orleans. He noticed something still wrong with his surgically repaired knee and underwent an “exploratory” procedure by noted sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews

An NFL Network reporter believes Charles would return as a change-of-pace option behind Spencer Ware if he does return. Ware rushed for a team-high 56 yards in Kansas City’s 21-13 home win over the Oakland Raiders to tie them for first place in the AFC West on Thursday night.