Chiefs notebook | Cassel a game-time decision

[Tribal Warfare]

Chiefs notebook | Cassel a game-time decision

Cassel is game-time decision again

Chiefs coach Todd Haley stopped short Friday of a ruling on quarterback Matt Cassel, saying after the team’s practice that he still couldn’t guarantee Cassel’s sprained left knee is healthy enough for a game-day load.

Haley said he would make a decision on Cassel’s availability Sunday morning.

“That’s the safest,” Haley said. “This will be a deal where we will have to make sure they’re good to go.”

Haley said early this week that he hoped to know about Cassel’s availability earlier this week than last, when Haley decided to deactivate Cassel after a morning workout in Baltimore. Brodie Croyle started in Cassel’s place.

Cassel practiced each day this week, and he has worn a brace on his left knee during each day’s workouts. The knee has been wrapped after practices. Cassel said Thursday that he was “leaps and bounds” better than he was at the same time last week, and Haley has said he thought Cassel had made noticeable progress.

Still, Haley said Cassel might have developed some rust after leaving after three plays in the team’s third preseason game and missing its preseason finale and last week’s regular-season opener. Haley said that Cassel has taken enough snaps but that game action is a different challenge for a quarterback.

“We’ve made some pretty drastic changes around here offensively,” Haley said, “and that includes terminology. And even though he was in the meetings, it’s not quite the same when you’re out there and going through the huddle.

“I would say it set him back a little bit, and he’s got to accelerate himself and study extra and put extra time in to catch up.”

Ryan seems at home in Kansas City

After five previous teams, veteran tight end Sean Ryan seems to have adjusted his game to fit Kansas City’s plans.

Ryan is in the unexpected role as the Chiefs’ starter after an unimpressive preseason by second-year tight end Brad Cottam, and Ryan has proved himself a strong blocker and an available receiver. He had a 10-yard touchdown catch in last week’s loss to the Ravens.

He said the receiving part of his job remains a work in progress, even in his sixth season.

“Throughout my career,” he said, “what I’ve been asked to do is be a blocker. I pride myself on being a blocker, and I enjoy it. If, at some point in my career, I’m considered a great receiver, that’s a blessing, too.”

Ryan said he and Cassel spent time playing catch during the offseason, trying to establish timing and trust.

As has been the custom for each of the Chiefs’ promising tight ends, Ryan was asked Friday whether he expected to replace Tony Gonzalez.

“I can’t fill Tony Gonzalez’s shoes,” Ryan said. “(If) Tony Gonzalez wears a size 30; I wear a size 15. There’s no way I’m filling Tony Gonzalez’s shoes, and I’m not trying to do that.”

Injury report

Cornerback Brandon Flowers also will be listed, along with Cassel, as questionable for Sunday’s game. Haley wouldn’t say whether Flowers, who has an injured shoulder, would be ready by Sunday. Flowers told reporters Friday that he felt certain he would play against Oakland.