Cassel picks up pace in practice

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Matt Cassel appeared to be running more briskly in practice Wednesday morning, creating hope Kansas City's No. 1 quarterback might start Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.

Coach Todd Haley said Cassel, who injured his left knee in a preseason game Aug. 29 and sat out the season opener at Baltimore, would be listed as questionable.

"No. 7 [Cassel], as I felt he would, he moved around a little better than he did at the end of the week," said Haley. "Again, this is going to be an evaluation deal with him. He did not participate in the entire practice, so he'll go on the injury report as questionable today."

Cassel's left knee was still braced, but the slight limp he had last week was not evident.

Haley declined to assess how much progress has been made by his quarterback, who signed a six-year contract for a guaranteed $28 million after coming from New England in a trade.

"I haven't talked to the doctors. But to my eye, he was improved some from last week," Haley said.

"There are medical issues involved when an injury occurs. There are certain times that things take. But the player is doing everything under his power to be ready, which is usually a good thing."

Fullback Mike Cox said he had no idea who might start at quarterback.

"It's always nice having No. 7 out there and having his knee looking better," he said.

Brandon Flowers, the Chiefs' No. 1 cornerback who missed the opener with a shoulder injury, was also practicing but listed as questionable.

"Brandon has done everything over the weekend and yesterday to get himself back on the field," Haley said. "He's made progress from last week. It will be an evaluation on him also."

Brodie Croyle started in Cassel's place in the 38-24 loss to the Ravens and hit 16 of 24 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

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