NFL roundup: Cassel will start for Chiefs at San Diego

Matt Cassel will start at quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs with Brady Quinn ruled out of Thursday's AFC West game against the Chargers in San Diego.

Quinn, who is 3-11 in his career as a starter, didn't finish Sunday's game against the Raiders because of concussion-like symptoms. Cassel has been a turnover machine, and the Chiefs have 25 giveaways, an NFL-worst.

Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel said Monday that it would be Quinn's job if everyone was healthy. But Tuesday, he said Quinn is out for the game. Quinn had been elevated to the starting role during the Chiefs' bye week.

"We'll evaluate Matt and we'll evaluate (third-string quarterback Ricky) Stanzi also," Crennel said.

--As the Chargers continue to flounder, coach Norv Turner continues to fend off speculation that his job is on the line.

The Chargers (3-4) are coming off a 7-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

San Diego is in the midst of a three-game losing streak and hasn't scored a touchdown in six quarters. Those losses include games against the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos in which the Chargers coughed up leads in the second half.

"You're coaching on a week-to-week basis," Turner told reporters Monday. "I'm coaching to do the best job I can to get our team ready to play Kansas City. All those other conversations, they're going to take place. You know they're going to take place."

Turner added that he hasn't spoken about his job status with general manager A.J. Smith or team president Dean Spanos.

--The legal filing by New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma that asks for Paul Tagliabue's removal from the bounty appeals hearings includes a scathing email from an ex-Saints assistant that restarted the league investigation, according to ProFootballTalk.com.

In a brief obtained by the web site, an email dated Nov. 2, 2011, is included in which former Saints assistant coach Mike Cerullo writes to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello about the team's alleged bounty system.

"So I have info on Saints Joe Vitt Lying to your NFL Investigators on Bounties from 2010, along with proof!!!" Cerullo writes in the email. "I was there, in the cover up meetings, with players and Joe, I love the NFL and want to work there again, but I am afraid if I tell the (sic) truth I will never coach again in NFL. But I was fired for a situation that the Saints encourage. All I want is a Job back in the NFL as a (quarterbacks) Coach anywhere, so If talking to you jeopardizes (sic) that I will have to get back to you, but The Saints are a Dirty Organization. Contact me."

Cerullo worked for the Saints from 2007-09. He was applauded by the league last month for coming forward.

--Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson still has faith in quarterback Michael Vick, and feels he should remain at the position.

"As far as I know right now, Michael Vick is going to be the quarterback," Jackson told "Mike and Mike in the Morning" on ESPN Radio. "I haven't heard of changes or anything like that, so we're still going with the plan."

Jackson doesn't subscribe to the idea that Vick should be benched for backup Nick Foles, since the whole team is accountable.

"You can't ever blame it on one man," Jackson said. "There's been turnovers and things like that, but as far as Michael Vick and what he's capable of doing, I think he's still an elite quarterback."

--The Pittsburgh Steelers will be missing multiple starters again this week, as coach Mike Tomlin ruled out injured strong safety Troy Polamalu and right tackle Marcus Gilbert for Sunday's game.

The Steelers visit the New York Giants this week, but Tomlin said the team is also unsure which running backs might be available this week. Jonathan Dwyer rushed for 100 yards in back-to-back games but came out of Sunday's victory over the Redskins with a quadriceps injury.

Rashard Mendenhall was cleared for limited individual work but is unlikely to practice in the team portion of Wednesday's workout as he recovers from an Achilles strain.

Polamalu's calf injury might limit him for most of November.

--Hurricane Sandy has postponed hernia surgery for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings.

Surgery had been scheduled for Tuesday in Philadelphia, Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy told ESPNMilwaukee.com.

Of greater importance is the fact that Jennings is having surgery for a hernia, which is different than the groin injury which has sidelined him for weeks. Last week, Jennings his condition an abdominal tear.

--Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee, previously declared out for the season, underwent surgery Tuesday on his right big toe.

According to multiple media outlets, Lee expects to be fully healthy in time for the team's offseason training activities.

Lee sustained a torn plantar plate in the toe during the Cowboys' 19-14 win over the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 21. The Dallas Morning News also reported that Lee injured the medial and lateral ligaments.

--The Detroit Lions acquired wide receiver/punt returner Mike Thomas from the Jacksonville Jaguars for undisclosed considerations, according to an NFL Network report.

The four-year veteran caught 13 passes for 80 yards this season, with no touchdowns.

--Wide receiver Ben Obomanu was placed on injured reserve by the Seattle Seahawks, who also released cornerback Danny Gorrer.

Coach Pete Carroll said on Monday that Obomanu was having a wrist injury examined. With Doug Baldwin (ankle sprain) unlikely to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and Braylon Edwards dealing with a flare up in his knee, the Seahawks are short on healthy wide receivers. Former University of Washington wide receiver Jermaine Kearse is a candidate to be promoted from the practice squad.

--Tampa Bay Buccaneers left guard Carl Nicks was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season with an injured toe.

Nicks has dealt with the injury since September. He signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract as a free agent in the offseason.

--The Jacksonville Jaguars signed fifth-year center/guard Steve Vallos and 2012 fifth-round draft pick Brandon Marshall to the 53-man roster, and waived quarterback John Parker Wilson and running back Keith Toston, the team announced Tuesday.