I file this in the “it’s that time of year” category.

A report from a Houston radio station that the Kansas City Chiefs have informed general manager Scott Pioli and coach Romeo Crennel they won’t return next year is inaccurate, NFL.com reports, and a decision will be made after the season.

We all know Pioli and Crennel are serious candidates to be let go. Reports and denials are all part of the process. We’ve already been through this process in San Diego and in Oakland this month.

The Chiefs’ season ends in 11 days. The team has been an immense disappointment at 2-12. The Chiefs have lacked competitiveness and are not getting better at the end of the season. Fans are in an uproar. I think we can all see the writing on the wall regardless of early reports and corresponding denials.

At this point, I’d be surprised if we weren’t taking about potential replacements in Kansas City in a couple of weeks.

In other AFC West news:

Several injured Chargers players returned to practice Wednesday. Tackle Jeromey Clary (knee), guard Tyronne Green (hamstring), linebacker Donald Butler (groin), linebacker Demorrio Williams (hamstring), running back Ronnie Brown (hamstring) and receiver Eddie Royal (hamstring) are all working, which is a good sign for a roster that has been beset injuries.

Not all the injury news in San Diego is good. Linebacker Takeo Spikes missed practice Wednesday because of a hamstring injury. Defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin (knee) also missed practice.