Matt Cassel and 5 Injuries That Could Change the AFC Playoff Picture
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel underwent an appendectomy this week and is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Chargers. There is no timetable for his return, but he should be back by next Sunday.
It's a major blow to the Chiefs, who are clinging to a two-game lead in the AFC West with two big games remaining against divisional opponents.
However, it's not the only injury/illness that could have major implications on which teams make the playoffs out of the AFC.
Here's a closer look at what Cassel's absence means for the Chiefs and four other potentially devastating injuries for AFC teams.
Matt Cassel
1 of 5
Cassel has been terrific this season in leading the Chiefs to an 8-4 record.
The AFC Offensive Player of the Month for November has thrown for 2,503 yards and 23 touchdowns with a 59.9 completion percentage. Cassel and wide receiver Dwayne Bowe have emerged as the NFL's premier QB-WR tandem, hooking up for 14 scores this season.
It should go without saying then that Cassel's replacement, Brodie Croyle, is a significant downgrade at the quarterback position. Croyle has yet to throw a pass in 2010 and has only thrown for 1,631 yards in his five-year NFL career.
The Chiefs would have had a tough time beating the Chargers in San Diego even if they did have Cassel. Now, that game looks like a guaranteed loss.
The Chiefs will need to win two of their three remaining games against St. Louis, Tennessee and Oakland to clinch a playoff berth. The pressure is on.
Brandon Marshall
2 of 5
Marshall hasn't played since Week 11 because of an injured hamstring. The Dolphins didn't need him in a Week 12 win over the Oakland Raiders, 33-17. But they definitely could have used him against the Browns last week in a game the Dolphins lost 13-10.
It's uncertain whether Marshall will be able to play this week against the Jets, but without him the Dolphins can kiss the playoffs goodbye. At 6-6 Miami needs to win out to make the playoffs, and that won't happen with divisional games remaining against New York and New England.
Mike Sims-Walker
3 of 5
Walker missed last week's game against the Titans, and he will likely be limited this week against Oakland. He's the team's third-leading receiver and an important part of the offense.
Jacksonville controls its playoff destiny, but it will need to win at least three of its next four games in order to hold off the Colts in the AFC South.
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Zach Miller
4 of 5
The Raiders tight end is having problems with his foot, and it's affected his game play. After hauling in 28 passes in the first five weeks, Miller only has 10 receptions in the last six games.
He's Oakland's leading receiver and is a player the 6-6 Raiders will need if they're going to win enough games to challenge for the AFC West or a wild card spot.
Bob Sanders
5 of 5
Bob Sanders, the Colts' great but injury-prone safety, was placed on the IR on Wednesday after tearing his biceps muscle in Week 1.
The Colts had hoped Sanders would be able to return midseason or for the playoffs, but a recent visit to Dr. James Andrews apparently revealed that Sanders is not healed enough to return to the field this season.
The Colts have struggled without Sanders anchoring their defense, and they will need a minor miracle to make the playoffs. A single loss the rest of the way probably ends Indy's season.
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