Kansas City Chiefs’ lose Matt Cassel to injury for the remainder of the season – NFL News
Hopes of Kansas City Chiefs’, Coach Todd Haley that quarterback Matt Cassel would make it to the team again this season ended as Cassel’s name was put on the season-ending injured reserve.
The decision was made a few moments before the Monday night's game against the New England Patriots. Cassel had sustained a hand injury while playing against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter of the game in week 10 which
his team lost 17-10. Cassel had to undergo a surgery on his right throwing hand last week.
Haley had been optimistic that Cassel would return to the team this Sunday. That is why Cassel was not placed in the season-ending injured reserve earlier. Even Cassel had repeatedly asserted that he was preparing to play against
the Patriots. However despite a surgery, recovery by Cassel cannot be made this season. Haley refused to go into the details of the injury terming it to be a “significant” one.
Cassel was replaced by quarterback Tyler Palko. Palko made his career start against the New England Patriots where he failed to fare well. Palko completed 25 out of 38 passes for 236 yards while he could not score a single touchdown.
Palko also had three interceptions in the game.
"Three interceptions is inexcusable. The game is hard enough as it is without making mistakes." Palko said after the game.
Against the Broncos, Palko managed to complete 5 of 6 passes for 47 yards. Monday’s game against the Chiefs has proven that the gap left by Cassel’s leave is yet to be filled. Despite the poor performance Cassel appeared hopeful.
"All in all, I felt pretty confident," Palko said. "Obviously, there's a few things I'd like to have back."
Wide receiver Jeremy Horne has been brought forward from the practice squad to fill the empty slot on the 53-man active roster. Horne has played six games for the Chiefs since 2010.
So the year 2011 has officially ended for Cassel who has completed 1,713 yards, 160 of 269 passes and scored 10 touchdowns in the nine games he played. He also had nine interceptions this year.
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