Rookie Chiefs coach Todd Haley fired offensive coordinator Chan Gailey and assumed that role himself yesterday, 13 days before he opens the season with a very unsettled quarterback situation.
Matt Cassel was injured in Saturday night’s exhibition loss to Seattle, limping away with a knee injury. But Haley refused to discuss the injury to Cassel, who signed a six-year contract for a guaranteed $28 million.
Yahoo! Sports, citing a source in the organization, reported Cassel sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee and could miss 2-4 weeks.
The top candidates to replace Cassel are Tyler Thigpen and Brodie Croyle, who are 1-18 as starters in the NFL. Thigpen took about 80 percent of the snaps with the first team in practice yesterday, but a decision could be based on who plays well in the final exhibition game at St. Louis Thursday night.
Haley, the offensive coordinator at Arizona the past two years, declined to say whether the offense will make any significant changes before the Sept. 13 season opener at Baltimore. He also will serve as quarterbacks coach.
“That is something I put a lot of thought into,’’ he said. “The advantage I have now is I know pretty much what my duties are. Obviously, I think this is best for the team.’’
Favre’s rib broken?
Vikings quarterback
Brett Favre said before last night’s game at Houston that he might have a cracked rib, but he hasn’t received an official diagnosis. He told ESPN that taking a deep breath caused him some discomfort. He also doesn’t plan to wear any kind of special padding, saying “the damage is done.’’
His ribs appeared fine during the game in which he was 13 of 18 for 142 yards and one touchdown in the Vikings’ 17-10 victory over the Texans.
Favre took plenty of hits and even delivered one. He drew a penalty for an illegal crackback block to the knee of Houston’s Eugene Wilson when he lined up wide in the wildcat formation in the third quarter. Wilson was injured on the play.
Sending a message
The NFL will allow players to use social media networks this season, but not during games. Players, coaches, and football operations personnel can use Twitter, Facebook, and other social media up to 90 minutes before kickoff, and after the game following traditional media interviews. During games, no updates will be permitted by the individual or anyone representing him on any social media account. The use of social media by NFL game officials and officiating department personnel will be prohibited at all times . . . Quarterback
Carson Palmer (sprained left ankle) threw to Bengals teammates during practice, an indication he could play Thursday against Indianapolis. Palmer threw to receivers for the first time in nearly three weeks . . . After missing three weeks with a sprained toe,
Terrell Owens returned to practice with the Bills and declared he’ll be ready to play in two weeks for the regular-season opener against the Patriots . . . The Rams will sit quarterback
Marc Bulger in the exhibition finale Thursday against the Chiefs to avoid aggravating his broken right pinkie.
Rolle put on PUP
Ravens cornerback
Samari Rolle will spend the opening six weeks of the season on the physically unable to perform list with a neck injury that could end his career. The 33-year-old missed six games in 2008 because of the injury. He underwent surgery last year and intends to have another operation . . . Steelers right guard
Darnell Stapleton was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury and will miss the season. He injured his left knee during the first week of training camp and had arthroscopic surgery to remove loose cartilage . . . Linebacker
Jason Williams, the Cowboys’ top 2009 draft pick, sustained a high ankle sprain and safety
Michael Hamlin broke his arm in an exhibition against San Francisco Saturday night. Coach
Wade Phillips said both will be out the at least the next four weeks, and possibly six.
Umenyiora AWOL
Pro Bowl defensive end
Osi Umenyiora missed practice without giving Giants coach
Tom Coughlin an explanation. Umenyiora attended meetings in the morning but left unexpectedly without talking to Coughlin and didn’t return for the workout. “We will have to talk to him when he gets back,’’ Coughlin said. “Obviously he is not here, so I am concerned.’’ . . . Defensive end
Brett Keisel signed a five-year contract, becoming the eighth player to reach a new deal with the Steelers since winning the Super Bowl in February.
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