Cassel gets starting QB job back with Chiefs

Matt Cassel is getting another chance to be the Chiefs’ starting quarterback.

Cassel will start Thursday night’s game at San Diego because Brady Quinn has not been cleared to practice because of a concussion, regaining the starting job – at least for one week – that he lost after a dismal five-game stretch to start the season.

Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel announced Tuesday that Quinn will not be available, and that Ricky Stanzi will serve as the backup. Fullback Nate Eachus was also ruled out with a concussion.

“They will continue with their testing and evaluation and will return when the doctor releases them, and lets us know they’re OK,” said Crennel, adding that doctors haven’t told him how long Quinn might be out.

Cassel was scuffling along until he suffered his own concussion a few weeks ago against Baltimore. Quinn took over for a loss to Tampa Bay, and Crennel made the move permanent during the bye week in hopes of igniting a struggling offense.

He never got much chance to see whether it worked.

Quinn was hurt in the first quarter of Sunday’s 26-16 loss to the Oakland Raiders, though it’s unclear when the injury occurred. He was sacked by Rolando McClain and then took another shot while floating a pass that was picked off by Matt Giordano.

Quinn left the field and went down the tunnel leading to the locker rooms, and Crennel said a trainer told him at that point that Quinn had suffered a “head injury” and was unavailable.

Cassel played the rest of way, completing 20 of 30 passes for 218 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

“I’m excited to be playing,” Cassel said. “As I said last week, my approach doesn’t change. I’m going to go out (and) I’m going to work hard. It’s unfortunate for Brady, but at the same time, we have to move forward.

“It’s a short week. Preparation has to be put in.”

Cassel, who signed a $63 million, six-year deal in 2009, said he doesn’t harbor any ill will toward Crennel over his benching. Cassel also said he doesn’t find it uncomfortable that he’s regained the starting job on a temporary basis almost by default.

“I don’t look at it that way,” Cassel said. “No matter what my position is, I’m going to be the same guy, and I think that’s the reason I was able to go in there and execute at a high level Sunday.”

Around the league

St. Louis says running back Steven Jackson is not available in a trade. Coach Jeff Fisher did his best to quash persistent rumors, saying that the Rams aren’t shopping Jackson and have not been getting calls about him, either. … Tampa Bay placed guard Carl Nicks, an All-Pro last season, on injured reserve. The Bucs also put tight end Danny Noble on IR and elevated guard Roger Allen to the active roster from the practice squad. … A year after giving receiver Mike Thomas a new contract, Jacksonville is giving him a new home. The Jaguars traded Thomas to the Detroit for an undisclosed draft pick. The Lions (3-4) lost receiver Nate Burleson for the season last week. … Kicker Nate Kaeding became a free agent after San Diego released him from injured reserve.