Charcandrick

West

West was added after D’Onta Foreman (biceps) landed on injured reserve. West has never notched a carry that wasn’t for Andy Reid, though the 28-year-old had trouble getting work last season. He’s a long shot for the Colts’ 53-man roster.

West and Benjamin were both signed as offensive depth and reinforcements following the Kareem Hunt fiasco and setback to Watkins’ foot injury. Neither is ready this week but should factor in the offense the rest of the way.

Kansas City was expected to sign C.J. Anderson, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports they are going with West. It makes sense considering West spent the last four seasons including most of training camp this year with the team, so he should know the playbook and be able to help immediately. Kansas City going with West over Anderson is great news for Spencer Ware’s rest-of-season outlook.

Kansas City will also meet with C.J. Anderson as they attempt to pick up the pieces following the Kareem Hunt debacle. West spent the last four seasons with the Chiefs, but he was released during training camp earlier this year.

West has been out of the league since getting cut from the Jets before Week 1. The Bucs have one of the worst running back situations in the league, but West would just be veteran depth.

Although Charcandrick West made flashier plays, Ware severely outperformed him last season and is a better stylistic complement to Charles as a between-the-tackles pounder. There is a conceivable scenario in which Ware could offer some standalone value this year, especially if he handles short-yardage and goal-line work. Ware is a better late-round dart throw than West in fantasy drafts.

Teicher reports Spencer Ware is handling most of Kansas City’s first-team running back reps in practice. Specifically, Teicher wrote that Ware “generally gets a lot of the starter’s snaps in practice. Charcandrick West gets some. Sometimes there are a few left for Charles, too.” On Tuesday, coach Andy Reid said Tamba Hali (knee) is “a little further along than what Jamaal is right now,” in their respective recoveries. At this point, it’s unclear what Charles’ role will be in Week 1 against the Chargers. An early-year RBBC appears likely. Due to their backfield depth, Teicher suggests the Chiefs “can afford to take the longer view with Charles.”

West played behind Spencer Ware, but had the more effective game. With Jamaal Charles on track for Week 1, West doesn’t project for an early-season role. Ware is Charles’ preferred handcuff.

“I think it’s a stretch for him to play on Sunday,” were Reid’s exact words. It confirms what the tea leaves have been suggesting the past week. Charles should be considered week to week, and far from a lock for Week 2. Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West and perhaps even Knile Davis will form a committee in Charles’ likely absence. As chairman, Ware will do the heavy lifting on early downs, and will be a legitimate RB2 against the Chargers. West isn’t a viable RB3.

West played 10 fewer snaps than Spencer Ware, but he outgained him on the ground on the back of two long runs. Ware was still more involved in the passing game, and he is likely to be much more involved overall once Jamaal Charles returns next week. West does not need to be owned in standard-sized leagues.