The team has announced that Cassel underwent an appendectomy on Wednesday morning. The Chiefs say they expect Cassel to return to work this week. Returning to work and being ready to perform well in the team’s biggest game of the season on Sunday against San Diego are two different things. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Chiefs are viewing Cassel as being questionable to play in the game.
Clearly, this is terrible timing. The Chiefs are 8-4 and would take a major step toward the playoffs with a win over the Chargers. Cassel has played very well for the past two months. If he can’t play, the brittle Brodie Croyle would face the Chiefs in his first action of the season. Croyle last played in Week 13 of the 2009 season.
Matt Cassel Undergoes Appendectomy
Cassel’s availability will come down to whether he can move well after the procedure. If he plays, the affected area will likely be very well padded. But if Cassel can move and withstand getting hit, he may be able to play. As a point of reference, San Francisco Giants center fielder Andres Torres had the same procedure in September and missed about two weeks. You would think returning as an NFL quarterback would be more difficult.
At the very best, Cassel will sore and he will have to play catch-up after missing some practice time. He likely won’t practice until Friday at the earliest.
I bet, unless there is a setback, Cassel will be given the chance to start and see how he can deal with the pain. The Chiefs have the No. 1 ranked run offense in the NFL, and they may have to rely on it even more against the Chargers, who gave up 251 yards on the ground in a loss to Oakland on Sunday.
Matt Cassel Undergoes Appendectomy
Comments