Early Rumors Say MCL, Ankle Sprain for Chiefs QB Matt Cassel

by Joel Thorman on Aug 30, 2009 6:12 PM CDT in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp

Update 9:10 PM: Cassel out 2-4 weeks. Head here for more.

We're definitely still in the unconfirmed stages of this but Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk is passing along the early word on the injury to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel, who injured his leg on just the third play of Saturday night's 14-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Though the Chiefs haven't (and, until they have to submit their initial injury report, likely won't) comment on the injury suffered Saturday night by quarterback Matt Cassel, the initial scuttlebutt on the prognosis is that he has both a sprained MCL and a sprained ankle.

As we passed along this morning, initial x-rays were negative, which really doesn't mean a whole lot to us because there never was much of a fear that any bones were broken.

Jump through for a little more on MCL and ankle sprains and how long we might expect Cassel to be out IF this is indeed the scenario.

Regarding the MCL, Florio reports that a Grade I sprain would keep Cassel out of action for a few days and likely the Chiefs final preseason game on Thursday against the St. Louis Rams. A Grade II sprain is a little more severe and could keep him on the bench for several weeks which would put his availability for week one at Baltimore in question.

Regarding the rumored ankle sprain, there's no word on the severity. A high ankle sprain could potential sideline him for a couple of weeks as well.

Either way, I feel confident guessing that Cassel will not make an appearance in the final preseason game on Thursday. It's a tough decision all around.

On the one hand, you want your starting quarterback to get as many reps as possible. It's not only him entering a new offense - it's the linemen and receivers too. Everyone needs time to build confidence in each other and establish some sort of rhythm for the coming season.

On the other hand, Cassel's health should be (and is) priority numero uno at this point. He's not just the starting quarterback for the Chiefs in 2009 but also, if all goes as planned, in 2010, 2011, 2012 and so on. These early reports are unconfirmed but if his knee has any sort of damage to it, it's better to take it sloooow for precautionary reasons.

Just as a point of emphasis - this is just the early word at this point. None of this is confirmed. And, as Florio points out, it's unlikely we'll ever get any sort of clarification on his injury from the team as the team is not required to submit injury reports in the preseason. Chiefs Coach Haley told reporters last night he wasn't ready to talk about the injuries just yet.

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gosh

I really do hope he is back opening day…darling sounds gone for the year, that really is too bad…And Flowers still awaiting word

by SDChief on Aug 30, 2009 6:18 PM CDT reply actions

He just posted that Devard Darling likely has ACL tear

Great. We lost potentially 3 players last night, all starters. Not a good way to start the season.

by SoCalChief17 on Aug 30, 2009 6:20 PM CDT reply actions

Darling sucks

by golfbard on Aug 30, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

and I thought he was just angling for a injury settlement.

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2009 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Still doesn't change the fact that we suck hard at reciever

If Haley had him in the starting lineup he must’ve saw something he liked. He’s been running with the ones for a while now. I prefer Bradley over him, but none the less. It isn’t a position where we have depth at.

by SoCalChief17 on Aug 30, 2009 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Lelie

will make us forget Darling.
Bowe and Lelie as 1-2 will be fine!

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I hope so.

I’ve always been a fan of Lelie, he use to be my burner on Madden =P

If Lelie or Bradley pan out as a solid number 2 reciever I’ll be happy to forget Darling.

by SoCalChief17 on Aug 30, 2009 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions

dude darling was going to get cut anyway

besides that touchdown catch against miami last year when he was wide open – what the hell has he done for us? nothing. guy meant nothing , he’ll be cut, unfortunately for him, out of a job and out of our hair. we have 5 other recievers better than him what the hell are u worried about

by CHIEFER on Aug 30, 2009 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Haley liked him.

And that was enough for me.

Look, if Bradley and Lelie step up then I won’t be as worried. But nobody has been able to claim that number 2 spot next to Bowe, which worries me. Toomer is out of shape and old, Engram is old as hell, Wright is a journey man, Lawrence is only a rookie.

We need whatever depth we can get, and Darling is still better then most FAs available right now.

by SoCalChief17 on Aug 30, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions

toomer is out of shape and old? engram is old?

haley liked darling? where are you getting this info? does todd haley live next to you and you have a convo each morning walking down the driveway to get the paper? toomer is not out of shape, thats one thing i know for usre, the guy is a jujitsu freak – im from NJ, grew up watching the giants- i know amani toomer, he doeshis best to keep himself in shape 365 days out of the year-did you see the interview with his shirt off? the guy is shredded. and as far engram, the guy knows how to play the game, just cuz hes 35 doesnt mean anything, tis how you take care of your body, gtranted injuries may be harder to overcome with the increase of age, but none of these guys are injured. knock on wood. so ease up – dont worry – our WR core is much better than it was last year. theres no more jeff webb, that should make us all happy indefinitely!

by CHIEFER on Aug 30, 2009 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Reasons why you are wrong

Old is old. It doesn’t matter how “ripped” you are. You age, you slow down and you can get hurt easier.

He knows Haley liked Darling because he has been running with the fist team all preseason. Know why? Cause Haley liked him. He doesn’t need to live next door to him to see that.

Try using logical deduction next time you decide you are right about something and someone who can use logical deduction is wrong.

D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.

by Patrick Allen on Aug 30, 2009 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions

first of all

i know toomer works out in the offseason to keep himself in shape – there was a huge documentary on it a few years ago on Sunday NFL countdown – dont tell me to use logical deduction- the hell are you a cyborg? the point is we signed these guys for a reason – if they were old and out of shape they wouldnt be here…haley runs a tight ship- is that good enough logically? darling dropped balls and all of us know he wasnt going to amount to anything good this year – yea maybe he had the physical attributes and haley saw potential but hes been in the league a number of years and he hasnt amounted to anything. we already have a guy liek darling whos 10 times better his name is dwayne bowe. losing darling means nothing. i was hoping he’d get cut anyway. because he runs with the first team? mcintosh is still in teh first team offense and he blows dick. you think haley likes him? i dont, i think haley just doesnt have anyone else to put in there. We all know toomer should be lining up opposite Bowe. Thats the way it will most likely be week 1 with engram and bradley in the slot.

i dont mind you telling me im wrong – everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but you dont have to defend him like hes one of your cubs, i was typically debating the fact that darling wouldn’t be a significant part of our offense and giving my input on why we signed guys like toomer and engram in the first place. if the coaching staff didnt think these guys could produce they wouldnt be on our team. you know that. im not talking out of my ass here-

by CHIEFER on Aug 30, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions

and you can

even look up the stuff on toomer – do it…so you dont think im just bullshitting – he does a lot of martial arts and yoga – keeps himself IN SHAPE, just because he doenst run a 4.3 40 doesnt mean the guy cant play WR.

and yea hes “ripped” – meaning he has muscle on his body which protects your bones, ligaments, tendons etc. when he takes hits on the field and whatnot.

tony gonzalez is old as hell but he goes the extra mile in teh offseason to get his body into the shape where he feels 5 years younger. old is old with him? even tho he put up 96 receptions, 1000+ yards last year and 10 TDs? please.

by CHIEFER on Aug 30, 2009 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Toomer was gassed running back and forth to the huddle last night

And I ddnt mean engram and toomer won’t do anything because of their age. I meant darling is a decade younger than them, and had a potentially bright career ahead of him with Haley coaching him.

And iirc correctly, McIntosh isn’t running the 1s anymore. It’s Barry now.

Comments from the iPhone are tricky.

by SoCalChief17 on Aug 30, 2009 8:14 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I was a little crabby today

my bad. Still think no amount of working out can help you escape father time.

I want him to be good for us…I just think if he had it, he’d be running with the 1’s.

D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.

by Patrick Allen on Aug 30, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Who's this dissing the Hawks' beloved ex-receiver?

Grrrrr…!
But in all seriousness, Engram is slowing down some but what little he showed up in Saturday’s game seemed competent.

Glenn Beck likes argument, but has a deap-seated hatred for logic.

by Cheddar28 on Aug 31, 2009 1:58 AM CDT up reply actions

lelie sucks

by dwill_pittst on Aug 31, 2009 7:30 AM CDT up reply actions

+1

Any word on Flowers?

by Chiefsfan1970 on Aug 30, 2009 6:21 PM CDT reply actions

Nothing yet

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by Chris Thorman on Aug 30, 2009 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Ive sprained my MCL

Not fun. Hope its a grade 1, otherwise it could get a little rough for us. For sure going to the shotgun now to try and keep him healthy. The front 7 our our schedule is brutal this year

Cry Havoc! And let slip the Chiefs Defense of War!!!

by nateforchiefs on Aug 30, 2009 6:27 PM CDT reply actions

How long to heal?

For you

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2009 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I had a grade 2. Took me a few weeks to get back on the field.

Not fun. My brothers best friend just had a grade 1 and he’s out for the next 2 weeks, minimum.

by SoCalChief17 on Aug 30, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2009 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions

i was out of commission for 3 weeks

but it took me another 2weeks before i felt comportable on the field. I could play, but i wasn’t at my top, physically or mentally.

Cry Havoc! And let slip the Chiefs Defense of War!!!

by nateforchiefs on Aug 30, 2009 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions

if this is true, then atleast nothing is torn up

by chiefs8288 on Aug 30, 2009 6:36 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

If what the Rich Baldinger said ther other night is true

That Cassel couldn’t even get down the steps unaided, that denotes something more serious than a couple days of rest will cure.

Remember we’re not just talking about a guy that has to walk from his home to the car and then his car to his office every day. This is a professional athlete that will be running for his life behind a horrible offensive line.

In my experience with knee injuries (both my own minor ones and my wifes more serious) I’d be surprised if we see Cassel on the field and functioning in a month, even if nothing is torn. I’ve had a grade I knee sprain before. I got it from just standing still and pivoting around. It was just an “Ouch” kind of thing. Not the type of anguish that was on Cassels face.

http://ajax-dj.mybrute.com

by ChiefDJ on Aug 30, 2009 6:37 PM CDT reply actions

I completely shredded my ACL, plus tore my meniscus completely in half and a couple of other small tears in my right knee 4 years ago while surfing in Phuket, Thailand. It happened on a Saturday about 5 PM, and since I was leaving back to Singapore the next day, I didn’t want to check out the Thai hospitals. I walked around on it the entire night going partying (including up and down stairs…down stairs is much worse!!), and yes I was in a lot of pain, but it was bearable (with the help of some beer and tequila). I walked through both airports getting home on Sunday, got the MRI on Monday, and saw the surgeon on Tuesday, and that is when I got some pain killers to get me through to the next day when I had the first of my 2 surgeries to repair it. The dr was pretty amazed I went that long doing what I did drug-free, but everyone deals with pain in different ways, so you can’t tell by the look on someone’s face or how they walked to see how bad it really is.
You make a great point about him not just needing to walk around on it, but the need for him to run for his life with our lack of O-line protection, and I really hope this is something minor. I was unable to run for about 2 months even though I went to rehab daily, and I am talking about brisk jogging, and not running for my life

by SinChiefs on Aug 30, 2009 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions

true

but ive also had knee issues, constant, and I wasnt able to walk off the field, court or whatever I was on

by SDChief on Aug 30, 2009 6:39 PM CDT reply actions

Most of us don't have the luxury of NFL doctors though.

Even with that being said, I would like to see him have as much time as he needs to heal completely. The dumbest thing we could do is bring him back early just to play in a game or two. I would rather lose than cause long term damage to our star QBs knee.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Aug 30, 2009 6:42 PM CDT reply actions

+1

let Croyle or Gut take some snaps and see what we got.

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Knee injuries suck.

I lost my high school career because of them. There were times that I couldn’t stand up on my own, times where I couldn’t walk to the sidelines. Then there were other times where I was able to hobble off the field. Some injuries I bounced back quick from, others I wasn’t so fortunate. Hopefully he heals up 100% and gets back to practice. If we don’t play him for the first few weeks thats fine. Thigpen or Croyle can hold down the fort until he gets back.

Who knows, this may be a blessing in disguise. Maybe he’ll be out a few weeks and Thiggy or Croyle will step up enormously and take the reigns. Doubtful, though possible.

by SoCalChief17 on Aug 30, 2009 6:45 PM CDT reply actions

God no! Not Thigpen!

Never again. I hope they cut him.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Aug 30, 2009 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions

=P Whether we wanna admit or not

Croyle is going to have a difficult time living behind that offensive line. I’d give him the edge over Thiggy for now, but when he goes down….

by SoCalChief17 on Aug 30, 2009 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions

id rather have croyle in there in a shotgun based offense

guy can wing the ball, luckily for us – guys like mark bradley, amani toomer, bobby engram, all have good hands…i would lvoe to include bowe in there but he just hasnt won me over yet =P …WERE GONNA BE FINE…even if cassel is out for week 1, did anybody think we would win that game anyway? let him come back fro mweek 2 opener against the raiders…this is our future were talking about here – id rather him miss the first 3 games of the season rather than the next 3 years.

by CHIEFER on Aug 30, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Thigpen is young.

Thigpen still has time to improve he is better than Drew Brees was at his age and look at Brees now, top passer in the league. The Chiefs need to keep Thigpen becuase as evidence last night they are not equipped presonell wise to run a pro style offense any more than Tyler is at this point.

by J ray on Aug 30, 2009 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Did you say Thigpen is better than Drew Brees was at his age???

This is exactly the reason why I have been hating on Thigpen so much. Did you even watch him play last night? Or last year?? We used to play Brees twice a yr when he was at SD and Thigpen’s play doesn’t compare in any way you can fathom. In fact, I would go so far to say that Brees was a better QB in high school than Thigpen is right now. Brees is the best passer in the league. Thigpen is likely to be cut from one of the worst offensive teams in the NFL (sorry, but it’s true)

Thiggy better than Drew Brees! LOL

by Chiefsfan1970 on Aug 30, 2009 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Brees

He was better than Thigpen earlier than high school, rumors are he was a Pop Warner legend. San Diego is fine now but you have to wonder if Brees was the starter in Rivers first two years they might of had at least one Super Bowl ring. Thigpen and Super Bowl are as different as Herm and Vince Lombardi.

by harleyrydyr on Aug 30, 2009 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions

he was the starter brees first season.

they drafted Rivers because Brees sucked!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brees took 3 full seasons to mature Thigpen has had ten games and produced about the same. Brees never had a stretch early in his career were he produced 22 touchdowns. Look at any young quarterback of your choosing that played on teams that finished with 4 wins or less(NFL.COM) Tyler is among historys best.

by J ray on Aug 30, 2009 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions

idiot

i said when drew brees was 24 like tyler he wasnt as good as tyler. LEARN TO READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by J ray on Aug 30, 2009 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions

This comment from

The same guy who told all us idiots so! Hmm….what’s the saying…takes one to know one?

Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.

by Zodeman on Aug 30, 2009 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions

It's better to let a...

…second or third-string QB suffer through the growing pains of a line with a bunch of new starters. Let’s let Cassel rest and bring him back when they’re all communicating better. As the post said, we want him to be our punky QB for the next few years, not just a few preseason games. – TL

by timlacy on Aug 30, 2009 6:46 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

rec

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2009 6:49 PM CDT reply actions

/\ agreed. Let Cassel heal up before you get the O-line rebuilt.

Before we put Cassel back in harms way i think the O-line needs a little cohesion first. Let him rest and rehab and sit out the next preseason game and if he needs to. I’d be for having him sit the first game or two. Giving Brodie a shot at it, see if he can actually play an entire game for his career.

by cameltoeuchdowns on Aug 30, 2009 6:53 PM CDT reply actions

ill tell you right now if T O can play with a broken ankle

in the super bowl cassel will be fine . we really need to get flowers back thats a must

FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.

by sexassassin on Aug 30, 2009 6:57 PM CDT reply actions

Might as well

let him sit opening day so the Ravens dont kill and feast on him.

by Petey14 on Aug 30, 2009 6:57 PM CDT reply actions

agreed...

ive seen birds rip apart a man and its not pretty.

by MountainManMike on Aug 31, 2009 3:30 AM CDT up reply actions

On the positive side...

A Cassel injury for the first 4 weeks (at worst) would not only keep him out of what might be the most dangerous stretch of our schedule, but would allow us to see what an uninjured Croyle can do. He has really had some freak injuries and, with decent line play, could be a good starting QB. If he plays well (AND SURVIVES), we may be able to trade him for a draft pick at the end of the year. I really dont think that croyle will stay in the league as a backup and will either be a starter or get so banged up that he is forced to retire.

On a second point, I think that Thigpen has the best chance to survive those games with our recent line play, although I wouldnt count on winning any of those games if that is the case.

by chiefsandcigars on Aug 30, 2009 7:09 PM CDT reply actions

SO

Thigpen plays and loses. The Chiefs learn nothing worth the 4 losses except the Games will be blacked out in KC for the rest of the season :(

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2009 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Croyle

will play first. If he can get through the Ravens and survive all 4 games, I think there is a chance for him to do as well as Cassel would. Granted, thats a 1-3 or 2-2 start (2-2 would be a miracle!), but I think its a possibility. After Thigpen played last night, Gut would have to get hurt as well for Thigs to see any action.

by chiefsandcigars on Aug 30, 2009 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Agreed

But let’s look at a QB not name Thigpen if we can find someone Pioli/Haley/Gailey and Haley SR. agree too. I think Haley Sr. is a true asset to this team as well as Pioli’s father-in-law.
Can’t get much better than that in determining NFL caliber players!

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2009 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Told all you idiots so!!!!!!!!!!!!

should have spent 2 rounder on o-line and 63 million as well then if Thigpen or croyle dont workout you go with Colt McCoy or Sam Bradford with first round pick . Cassell best case scenario(for him) is that he is out for the season, if not Baltimore is going to finish the job. This is not a knock on Cassell its just commen sense dont pay a quarterback 63 million to be a tackle dummy.

by J ray on Aug 30, 2009 7:13 PM CDT reply actions

omg

you are a genius. You should call Clark Hunt and tell him this and he’ll probably give you Pioli’s job.

Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.

by Zodeman on Aug 30, 2009 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Everything good Z?

not pissy enough to say Hi :)

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2009 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions

lol

Hi Steve! Not pissy at all here lol. Things going well, started working last week….ah…getting back to a normal existence again.

Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.

by Zodeman on Aug 30, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions

As Shuffle would say

Cool Beans
That is great and is it what you were looking for?

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2009 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Wichita or elsewhere?

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2009 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions

My Pissy not you

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2009 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Yes

Entry level network administration but that is what I trained for so that’s cool. Foot in the door, now some additional training and a couple years experience will make it pay very well. It’s in a small town about 25 minutes from Wichita so at least didn’t have to move, although I might anyway just to save drive time.

Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.

by Zodeman on Aug 30, 2009 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions