The Kansas City Chiefs have done a pretty good job. A great job, really. They've got me, Chiefs fans -- heck probably Chiefs players -- believing that Matt Cassel has a shot to play this weekend. Most importantly, though, their secretive nature throughout the week may have made the San Diego Chargers spent a few more minutes (or hours) preparing for both Cassel and backup Brodie Croyle.
Philip Rivers for one says (via San Diego Union-Tribune) he never pays any attention to the injury report one way or the other. "Whether it’s a linebacker, a safety or a corner," he says, "until you get to the stadium and see (roster) inactives on the board, that’s when you know who’s playing and who’s not playing."
How about this scenario: Matt Cassel is active Sunday but not starting. If I had a limited Cassel and a healthy Croyle, I probably go for the latter. Now, if I have a limited Cassel and a healthy Tyler Palko...that's a different question. I can see Cassel being active, even if he does take a roster spot.
Chargers head coach Norv Turner is among those who has believed since the appendectomy that he'd be out.
"I find that believable," Turner said of the doubtful listing, "because I think when you have that type of surgery, you’re putting a guy at risk. And I don’t think (the Chiefs) would do that. So if he plays, I’m sure he’s got complete clearance and he wouldn’t be doubtful right now."
Perhaps (Dr.) Turner doesn't want Cassel to play, which is why he's applying the pressure there suggesting the Chiefs would be putting him at risk if he plays, already setting up the criticism from media, fans (and coaches?) if he does play.
But he's not gonna play.