Tribal Warfare
12-09-2010, 02:26 AM
Chiefs notes: Haley says KC lacks Chargers’ talent (http://www.kansascity.com/2010/12/08/v-print/2507978/chiefs-qb-cassels-status-up-in.html)
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star
Chiefs coach Todd Haley said Wednesday that the San Diego Chargers have changed since the Chiefs beat them in the regular-season opener at Arrowhead Stadium, but one thing has not: Kansas City still lacks the talent the Chargers have throughout their roster, Haley said.
“They’re a highly skilled team, multidimensional offensively, defensively and special teams. We will have our work cut out for us,” Haley said. “I know we’re getting better. We’re just trying to ride our horse. We’ve got our blinders on, and we’re just really worried about the Kansas City Chiefs.”
The Chiefs beat San Diego 21-14 in a nationally televised game at Arrowhead Stadium. In the time since, Kansas City has emerged as one of the NFL’s surprise teams and the unlikely leader of the AFC West. The Chargers, after a 2-5 start, have pulled within two games of the Chiefs and have won four of their last five.
“One of the hot teams in the league right now,” Haley said. “We’ve got to be prepared.”
To prepare his team, Haley decided to hold practice in the team’s indoor facility, in an effort to simulate the warmer temperatures forecast for this weekend in San Diego. Haley said the team would probably practice outside today if temperatures rise in Kansas City.
Roster moves
Quarterback Tyler Palko was promoted Wednesday to the active roster, giving the Chiefs an additional option at a position in which they have gone with only Matt Cassel and Brodie Croyle.
Cassel underwent an appendectomy Wednesday, and his status for Sunday’s game is unknown.
“Not an ideal way you’d like to be (promoted),” Palko said, “but you’ll take it.”
Palko briefly spent time on the 53-man rosters of New Orleans in 2007 and Pittsburgh in 2009. He has never played in an NFL game.
Kansas City placed cornerback Jackie Bates on injured reserve, ending his season. He started two weeks ago in place of Brandon Flowers and hurt his knee in a game against Seattle.
The Chiefs also added rookie linebacker Micah Johnson to their practice squad. He spent time on the practice squads of Miami and the New York Giants earlier this season.
Injury report
Defensive back Donald Washington missed Wednesday’s practice because of an ankle injury. Free safety Kendrick Lewis also has a hurt ankle and was limited in the week’s first practice.
The Chargers had six players who didn’t participate in practice Wednesday: Linebacker Stephen Cooper (knee), tight end Antonio Gates (toe/foot), running back Darren Sproles (concussion) and receivers Vincent Jackson (calf), Patrick Crayton (wrist) and Legedu Naanee (hamstring).
Defensive tackle Antonio Garay (ankle), linebacker Brandon Siler (rib) and guard Louis Vasquez (neck) were limited.
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star
Chiefs coach Todd Haley said Wednesday that the San Diego Chargers have changed since the Chiefs beat them in the regular-season opener at Arrowhead Stadium, but one thing has not: Kansas City still lacks the talent the Chargers have throughout their roster, Haley said.
“They’re a highly skilled team, multidimensional offensively, defensively and special teams. We will have our work cut out for us,” Haley said. “I know we’re getting better. We’re just trying to ride our horse. We’ve got our blinders on, and we’re just really worried about the Kansas City Chiefs.”
The Chiefs beat San Diego 21-14 in a nationally televised game at Arrowhead Stadium. In the time since, Kansas City has emerged as one of the NFL’s surprise teams and the unlikely leader of the AFC West. The Chargers, after a 2-5 start, have pulled within two games of the Chiefs and have won four of their last five.
“One of the hot teams in the league right now,” Haley said. “We’ve got to be prepared.”
To prepare his team, Haley decided to hold practice in the team’s indoor facility, in an effort to simulate the warmer temperatures forecast for this weekend in San Diego. Haley said the team would probably practice outside today if temperatures rise in Kansas City.
Roster moves
Quarterback Tyler Palko was promoted Wednesday to the active roster, giving the Chiefs an additional option at a position in which they have gone with only Matt Cassel and Brodie Croyle.
Cassel underwent an appendectomy Wednesday, and his status for Sunday’s game is unknown.
“Not an ideal way you’d like to be (promoted),” Palko said, “but you’ll take it.”
Palko briefly spent time on the 53-man rosters of New Orleans in 2007 and Pittsburgh in 2009. He has never played in an NFL game.
Kansas City placed cornerback Jackie Bates on injured reserve, ending his season. He started two weeks ago in place of Brandon Flowers and hurt his knee in a game against Seattle.
The Chiefs also added rookie linebacker Micah Johnson to their practice squad. He spent time on the practice squads of Miami and the New York Giants earlier this season.
Injury report
Defensive back Donald Washington missed Wednesday’s practice because of an ankle injury. Free safety Kendrick Lewis also has a hurt ankle and was limited in the week’s first practice.
The Chargers had six players who didn’t participate in practice Wednesday: Linebacker Stephen Cooper (knee), tight end Antonio Gates (toe/foot), running back Darren Sproles (concussion) and receivers Vincent Jackson (calf), Patrick Crayton (wrist) and Legedu Naanee (hamstring).
Defensive tackle Antonio Garay (ankle), linebacker Brandon Siler (rib) and guard Louis Vasquez (neck) were limited.