"The very picture of a journeyman quarterback, left-handed Tyler Palko has spent time with four NFL teams. He played in four games and threw 13 passes, all coming with his team hopelessly behind.

But he's the Chiefs' starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. That became reality Monday when the Chiefs discovered what coach Todd Haley said was a "very significant injury" to the throwing hand of Matt Cassel.

Cassel injured his right hand late in Sunday's 17-10 loss to Denver at Arrowhead Stadium. Haley wasn't optimistic Cassel would return this season.

"That's a possibility," said Haley, who also indicated Cassel would probably need surgery. "I wouldn't say it's an absolute."