Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel has been cleared to exercise, and is expected to be cleared for contact on Monday, as the Chiefs prepare to take on the Oakland Raiders in Week 8.

Cassel missed Kansas City's Week 6 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cassel was sidelined during Kansas City's Week 5 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, when he suffered a concussion. Romeo Crennel and Kansas City's coaching staff wisely held Cassel out against the Buccaneers, giving Cassel two full weeks to recover from his head injury.

Still, Cassel is not guaranteed to start in Week 8, as Kansas City's starting quarterback job is currently up for grabs. Brady Quinn started in Cassel's place during Kansas City's Week 6 loss to the Buccaneers, and will compete with Cassel for the starting job.

Elsewhere, Crennel is hopeful that Peyton Hillis and Glenn Dorsey will be available in Week 8 for the Chiefs. Hillis has been dealing with an ankle problem, while Dorsey has been dealing with a calf injury.