Quinn to start as Chiefs' QB vs. Raiders

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The new starting quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs is a former first-round draft pick on a one-year deal whose career thus far has been a disappointment.

His backup is a team captain whose long-term contract made him the face of the franchise.

Coach Romeo Crennel announced Monday that Brady Quinn will start against the Raiders on Sunday, and Matt Cassel will serve as the backup for the foreseeable future after struggling mightily through the first five games of the season.

"I felt like the most impactful move I could make to get everybody's attention was to change the quarterback," Crennel said. " … The quarterback position is the one that has the spotlight on (it)."

Crennel said he informed both quarterbacks he was making a change Monday morning.

"I'm excited about the opportunity," Quinn said. "There's always pressure, but pressure is what you make of it. As a quarterback in this league, you're used to it."

In 2009, Scott Pioli's first major move as the Chiefs' general manager was trading for Cassel from New England. His second was Cassel signing to a six-year, $63 million contract.

Quinn is playing on a one-year deal worth $1.5 million. Two weeks ago in a loss to Tampa Bay, he started for the first time since 2009 with Cleveland. Cassel was still recovering from a concussion sustained the previous week in a loss to Baltimore.

Crennel said at the time he wasn't planning to make a permanent move. But he reconsidered after spending the bye week evaluating both quarterbacks and realizing Kansas City desperately needed a spark following a 1-5 start.

"Am I going to say I'm happy about the situation? Absolutely not. I'm frustrated," Cassel said after practice. "But at the same time, I'm a team captain on this team. I care about this team, and again, as we move forward, I'm a big boy. I'm not going to hang my head. I'm going to do what I've always done, which is work hard – work tremendously hard."

Chargers – Coach Norv Turner said nobody from his team used Stickum in last Monday night's loss to Denver or in any other game.

He also said a towel, not a substance, used for drying is being investigated by the NFL.

Turner was reacting Monday to an investigation by the NFL into whether the Chargers used a banned sticky substance during the 35-24 loss, in which they blew a 24-0 halftime lead.

"Nobody in this organization has used Stickum in any game," the beleaguered coach said. "The question involved a towel that has been used by this organization for over 10 years."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said he couldn't comment other than to say the matter is under review.

Meanwhile, the Chargers placed kicker Nate Kaeding on injured reserve and plan to release him when he's healthy. Kaeding played in the first three games before injuring his groin.

Packers – Safety Charles Woodson suffered a broken collarbone in Sunday's 30-20 win over St. Louis and will be out for about six weeks.

Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said Woodson was hurt with 2:44 to play when he dived for a pass that Sam Bradford completed to wide receiver Brandon Gibson. Woodson stayed in the game for the next play.

Panthers – General manager Marty Hurney was fired, one day after quarterback Cam Newton expressed his frustration with Carolina's 1-5 start after a 19-14 loss to Dallas.

Hurney, the GM since 2002, took responsibility for the team's failures. "It can't continue to go this way," he said.

Hurney also said he thinks the players need to show more leadership.

Brandon Beane, the director of football operations, will handle day-to-day football matters until a new GM is hired. However, coach Ron Rivera said he'll have the final say in personnel decisions for now.

Meanwhile, cornerback Chris Gamble went on injured reserve because of torn cartilage in his right shoulder.

Titans – Offensive tackle Michael Roos had an appendectomy after starting his 119th straight game in Sunday's 35-34 victory over Buffalo.

Coach Mike Munchak said Roos felt sore before the game, but he was examined and no symptoms were found, and Roos flew home with no apparent problems.

Munchak said Roos' status for Sunday's game against Indianapolis is uncertain.

Pro Bowl – The NFL will consider dropping the Pro Bowl if the level of play doesn't improve, Commissioner Roger Goodell said on SiriusXM NFL Radio's "Town Hall."

Goodell agreed with host Michael Strahan that last January's Pro Bowl "was embarrassing."

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