Two to four weeks, that’s the time frame that Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards is giving for the return of Brodie Croyle.  So while the Chiefs rely on veteran Damon Huard, I question whether or not Croyle is the future of the Chiefs.

This is a make or break season for Croyle.  As he enters his third season, he is now 0-7 as a starter, the latest coming this past Sunday at New England.  Croyle started the game going 3 for 9, not the start you want to see as Croyle was unable to move the Chiefs with any consistency despite New England turning the ball over twice in the first quarter and the Chiefs taking over at their own 48 following the Pats’ opening drive turnover. 

Three of the Chiefs first four drives ended in three and outs and only after Croyle was able to hook up with Tony Gonzalez on four passes was he able to get the Chiefs a field goal.

Now, while a young offensive line continues to improve and a healthy Larry Johnson is back at full strength, the team will be hampered by having Huard back at the helm, while the team waits for the future in Croyle. 

I was willing to give Croyle the benefit of the doubt after last year because Johnson was out half the year and their was no offensive line, but after watching Sunday I continued to see a quarterback.  Croyle doesn’t have the physical make-up, or the leadership qualities a quarterback needs make it in the NFL. 

This injury really hurts the Chiefs, because it will knock out a least a quarter of their season to evaluate if Croyle can handle the job.  The longer they have to wait on Croyle, the quicker the sand is running out on Edwards and Chiefs’ GM Carl Peterson’s future.

If the Chiefs have another sub-par year and don’t show any promise in the second half of the season,  I would expect Clark Hunt to clean house and get rid of Peterson and Edwards.  I’m not even saying wins, just having the young guys improve and show the potential will help keep Peterson’s job.  All of that is hampered with Croyle out of the lineup.

Listen to Herm Edwards discuss Croyle’s injury and status.

Download/listen to Herm Edwards (mp3)