[Kansas City.com] Jamaal Charles wants to put to rest any fears the Chiefs and their fans might have about his ability to return from last season’s knee injury as one of the NFL’s premier running backs.

“If you’re worrying about me not being the same, just look out for me this year,” Charles said Tuesday. “I’m hungry. I want it this year. I’ve got the passion for it. I just can’t wait to play football. I can’t wait to bring stuff back to this community and show them how much we can win. I feel like this is a year for us that we can go all the way. I’m saying that because I feel it in me that I can bring a lot to the team this year, being bigger, stronger and maybe even faster.”

The Chiefs have their first offseason practice sessions this weekend when they stage a three-day rookie camp. Veterans like Charles won’t participate. The first full-squad practice is May 21.

Charles indicated he had been told by Chiefs trainer Dave Price that he needs to be cleared by his surgeon, James Andrews, before he can participate.

“I feel I’m at the point where I can do that,” Charles said. “I feel I can do the same thing my teammates do. I do it without the coaches around. I catch the ball, I cut, I do a lot of drills and I’ve been doing this for two months.”

Charles said he would be at full strength in plenty of time for the Sept. 9 season-opener against Atlanta at Arrowhead Stadium. He began his rehabilitation shortly after his surgery and said he’s well ahead of schedule.