Chiefs quarterback Trent Green has finally been cleared to play. He has been sitting out since suffering a concussion in Week 1 against the Bengals. Nine weeks, eight games, and five wins later head coach Herm Edwards has a decision to make. Does he start Green this week against the Raiders or does he stick with the inconsistent backup Damon Huard? That is the question Edwards is faced with and he is in no hurry to let the Raiders know his decision.
Edwards has already stated that he will not announce a starter until later in the week. Green will participate in contact drills for the first time since the Bengals game.
Over the last 10 weeks, Edwards has see-sawed between whether Green would play right away or not. After the Chiefs beat Seattle, Edwards said Green was his starting quarterback and Huard was filling in like he is supposed to. Before last week’s loss to the Dolphins, it seemed as though Huard would remain the starter as long as he kept the hot hand.
If Green does start Sunday, he will be faced with some unfamiliar circumstances. The offensive line is searching for answers after some key injuries. Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters will miss another game with a knee injury. Right tackle Kevin Sampson will also be out with a bad foot. Not to mention Green’s favorite target in emergency situations, Tony Gonzalez, who is expected to miss his first game since 1999. He is listed as doubtful which leaves little hope that he could play. Gonzalez sprained his shoulder in the closing minutes of the Miami loss.