Charcandrick West, next man up (AP) It’s not the worst injury report of the year, but there’s always something important to sort through. Get out your clipboards and let’s run our audit.
•*Big changes in Kansas City this week, with Alex Smith (concussion) and Spencer Ware (concussion) both ruled out for the home date against Jacksonville. Backup QB Nick Foles showed a willingness to press the ball downfield last week, and he specifically clicked with previously-slumping TE Travis Kelce. Charcandrick West gets the start in place of Ware — remember, Jamaal Charles is on IR — and becomes an interesting start.
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•*Delanie Walker (groin) is going to be a game-time decision for the late start at San Diego. Have other options ready, just in case. On the plus side, it’s a week with more schedule balance; there are six games that kick off after the 1 pm ET wave this week.
•*Carlos Hyde (shoulder) had a limited practice week and will come down to a game-time decision against the Saints. It could turn into a messy committee if Hyde is out, with DuJuan Harris, Mike Davis and Shaun Draughn all potential ball carriers.
•*Ben Roethlisberger (knee) did some work all week and seems on track to start against Baltimore. Ladarius Green (ankle) doesn’t appear ready to return, though he did some work at practice this week, but Sammie Coates (hand) should be close to 100 percent.
•*The Lions limited Theo Riddick (ankle) to partial practices all week, but he still looks likely to play against Minnesota. Given how difficult it is to run inside on the Vikings, Riddick’s perimeter work as a receiver could be a key component to this game.
•*With Hunter Henry (knee) out of the mix for Week 9, old reliable Antonio Gates should be needed plenty against Tennessee. Tyrell Williams (knee) and Travis Benjamin (knee) both practiced Friday and are expected to play.
•*Ty Montgomery (illness) isn’t listed on the injury report, so it sounds like he’ll be good to go against the Colts. James Starks (knee) was able to practice this week, but he’s not ready for game action. Randall Cobb (hamstring) had a week of limited practice and looks like a game-time decision.
•*The Colts don’t have T.Y. Hilton (hamstring) on the injury report, but he missed some practice time during the week, so make sure you double-check his available on game day. TE Dwayne Allen (ankle) might be able to go, but he’s been passed in the pecking order by Jack Doyle.
•*Jeremy Maclin (groin) had a limited practice Friday after missing the previous session. The Chiefs expect him to go against Jacksonville, but give him a look Sunday just to be sure. It’s an early start at Arrowhead.
•*The Saints are world famous for keeping us guessing, and an odd day of Michael Thomas news emerged Friday. Thomas didn’t practice in the final session of the week, attributing it to a stomach bug. The team later listed Thomas as a limited participant, citing an ankle injury. But on the final report of the week, Thomas is not carrying a questionable tag. Add it all up and it sounds like Thomas goes at San Francisco, but I’d certainly double-check everything midday Sunday.
•*The Bills continue to limit LeSean McCoy (hamstring) in practice, though he’s hoping to play Monday at Seattle. This could come down to a game-day decision. Mike Gillislee is the handcuff of interest; he’s at 5.9 YPC for his brief career. Barring a setback, Robert Woods (foot) is expected to play.
•*Steve Smith (ankle) wants to go against Pittsburgh, and he was able to practice in full Friday.

•*DeVante Parker was a full go at practice all week, though the Dolphins nonetheless list him as questionable. With the Jets on the docket (awful in pass coverage) and six teams on bye, it’s an interesting time to take an upside swing at Parker, or Kenny Stills.
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•*Jerick McKinnon (ankle) did some work the last two days and thinks he’ll be good to go against Detroit. Good luck with that offensive line. Matt Asiata is around as a goal-line option. The Vikings are also moving into a new era with OC Pat Shurmur; Norv Turner resigned earlier in the week.
•*Amari Cooper (back) is expected to give it a go against Denver on Sunday night. The Broncos are always a formidable matchup, though they’ll be without CB Aqib Talib.
•*The Buccaneers are hoping to get Doug Martin (hamstring) back next week against Chicago. With the Tampa Bay backfield riddled by injuries, Martin’s return would be especially welcomed. Antone Smith (knee) was injured in Thursday’s loss and is out for the year. We’ll also keep an eye on Mike Evans, who is currently in the concussion protocol.
•*Cody Kessler is set to start against Dallas, and the Browns expect Terrelle Pryor (hamstring) and Corey Coleman (hand) to both play.