Matt Cassel will start the game for the Kansas City Chiefs against the San Diego Chargers on Thursday. Brady Quinn and Nate Eachus are out of action due to concussion.
Romeo Crennel, the Chiefs coach said Quinn would not be playing and Ricky Stanzi would serve as the backup to Cassel. He also added doctors were not sure when Quinn would be fit for playing again.
"They will continue with their testing and evaluation and will return when the doctor releases them, and lets us know they're OK," Crennel said.
Cassel too sustained a concussion a few weeks ago when playing against the Baltimore Ravens. Quinn then took over in a loss to the Buccaneers, and Crennel made the move permanent hoping to strengthen a struggling offense.
However, there wasn't much time to make it work after Quinn was injured in the first quarter in the game against the Oakland Riders last Sunday. The Chiefs lost the game 26-16.
Cassel then came into the game and completed 20 of 30 passes for 218 yards including a touchdown and an interception.
"I'm excited to be playing," Cassel said. "As I said last week, my approach doesn't change. I'm going to go out (and) I'm going to work hard.
"It's unfortunate for Brady, but at the same time, we have to move forward. It's a short week. Preparation has to be put in."
Cassel said he did not hold any grudge against Crennel for benching him. He doesn't mind resuming as a starter on a temporary basis - for just a week's time.
Cassel is an important player for the team and had signed a six year deal with the Chiefs in 2009 worth $63 million.
"I don't look at it that way," he added. "No matter what my position is, I'm going to be the same guy, and I think that's the reason I was able to go in there and execute at a high level Sunday. I was ready and my approach was the same."
Crennel, meanwhile, said getting a second chance may positively impact Cassel's performance.
"Sometimes a second chance energizes a guy," the coach said. "He wants to do well, and whatever role he was in, he didn't like it, but he said, 'I'm going to do my job. I'm a Chief, and I'm going to be ready if I'm called on.'"He knows he's going to have to play, and he's going to do the best he can. We have to help him as well, and if we all take the same attitude we'll be successful."
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