Matt Cassel is 'excited' to be back as Chiefs starting quarterback

The Kansas City Chiefs are going back to starting Matt Cassel at quarterback Thursday night in their Week 9 game on the road against the San Diego Chargers. Brady Quinn, who started the last two games, suffered a concussion against the Raiders and has not been able to practice this week.

Cassel could not be happier that he is back leading the team under center.

"I'm excited to be playing," he told the media after Monday's practice.

"As I told you guys last week, my approach doesn't change. I'm still going to go out and I'm going to work hard. I am excited to be playing this week and starting. It's unfortunate for Brady [Quinn], but at the same time, we've got to move forward and it's a short week. Preparation has to be put in these next few days to get ready to go, and then we've got to go out there and play well."

Cassel was removed from the starting spot due to his own concussion, and the moved was made permanent due to his ineffectiveness. Now, Cassel has a chance at redemption while Quinn is out.

"I don't look at it that way. Like I said last week, no matter what my position is, I'm going to be the same guy, and that's, I think, the reason why I was able to go in there and execute at a high level on Sunday and play well because I was ready and my approach was the same."

He may be taking the same approach and getting ready each week like he did as a starter, but Cassel will need to go out and have a big game if he wants to keep the starting job once Quinn is healthy enough to return.