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It appears two of the Kansas City Chiefs' three injured starting offensive linemen have a chance to play Sunday against visiting Denver.

Center Ryan Lilja (knee) and guard Jon Asamoah (thumb) are questionable to play in the game. They both missed last week’s game. Standout left tackle Branden Albert (back) is doubtful to play Sunday. With Albert likely out, Rookie Donald Stephenson is in line to play against Denver’s fierce pass-rush.

Meanwhile, Kansas City receivers Dwayne Bowe (neck/back) and Jon Baldwin (neck/head) and tight end Tony Moeaki (shoulder/back) are all probable to play Sunday.

For Denver the Broncos are expected to get back guard Chris Kuper (ankle) and cornerback Tracy Porter (illness). Both players are listed as probable. Kuper missed the past two games and Porter has missed the past five games. I expect Kuper to start, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Porter was a backup Sunday. His replacements, Chris Harris and Tony Carter, have been tremendous.

The Oakland Raiders continued to practice Thursday without top running back Darren McFadden and his backup Mike Goodson. Both players have been out for the past two games with high ankle sprains.

Earlier this week, Oakland coach Dennis Allen said he hoped McFadden could play Sunday at Cincinnati. If that is going to happen, McFadden will need to make serious improvement in the next few days. Also, backup running back Taiwan Jones was limited by an ankle injury Thursday. Fullback Marcel Reece has been the lead back and he will likely remain in that role at Cincinnati barring big changes.

Also, defensive tackle Richard Seymour did not practice Thursday because of knee and hamstring injuries that have kept him out of the past two games.

In other AFC West news:

-- Kansas City offensive linemen Branden Albert and Ryan Lilja missed practice again Thursday. If they don’t practice Friday, they both will likely miss Sunday’s game against Denver. That is clearly not good with Denver’s strong pass-rush looming.

Chiefs receivers Dwayne Bowe and Jon Baldwin, tight end Tony Moeaki and guard Jon Asamoah are all limited Thursday.

-- For Denver, receiver Demaryius Thomas (knee) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (quad) practiced fully Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Guard Chris Kuper (ankle) and cornerback Tracy Porter (knee) both practiced fully Thursday for the second day this week and are on pace to play Sunday. Porter has missed five games, but Denver coach John Fox said Porter has been cleared to play. Kuper missed the past two games with a severely sprained ankle.

-- For San Diego, left tackle Jared Gaither (groin) and left guard Tyronne Green (hamstring) are missing their second day of practice this week. Gaither has missed the past two games, and Green was hurt Sunday at Denver. The offensive line was a mess for much of the Denver game. Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin, however, is practicing and may play Sunday. He missed the Denver game.

San Diego’s home game against Baltimore has been blacked out and will not be shown on local television.

-- Former Oakland coach Hue Jackson declined to talk about the team. Jackson, who is an assistant with the Bengals, was fired after an 8-8 season last year. The Bengals (5-5) host Oakland (3-7) on Sunday.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ issues on the offensive line may continue Sunday at home against Denver, giving quarterback Brady Quinn another challenge in his second start.

Center Ryan Lilja (knee) and left tackle Branden Albert (back) did not practice Wednesday and guard Jon Asamoah (thumb) was limited. Asamoah and Lilja missed the Cincinnati game Sunday and Albert departed early. If the Chiefs are without those three lineman on Sunday, it could be a problem considering they face pass-rush stars Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil.

Meanwhile, top receiver Dwayne Bowe (neck/back) was limited Wednesday. He was hurt Sunday. Fellow starter Jon Baldwin (head/neck) was limited. He missed the Cincinnati game. Fellow receiving weapon, tight end Tony Moeaki, was limited with shoulder/back issues Wednesday.

For Denver, cornerback Champ Bailey did not practice, but it wasn't due to an injury. Receiver Demaryius Thomas was limited with a knee injury and defensive lineman Derek Wolfe was limited with a quadriceps injury.

Meanwhile, the Denver Post reports the Broncos worked out running back Jacob Hester on Wednesday as a possible replacement for Willis McGahee, who won’t return until the AFC Championship Game, assuming Denver gets that far. McGahee has a knee injury. Hester, a former San Diego fullback, would provided depth and likely be a short-yardage back if signed.

As expected, the Oakland Raiders will be without starting running back Darren McFadden and his backup, Mike Goodson, for the second straight game Sunday when they host New Orleans.

Both players were hurt in Week 9 and they didn’t play last week because of high ankle sprains. Fullback Marcel Reece will continue to be the top tailback and Taiwan Jones and Jeremy Stewart will be the backups with McFadden and Goodson out.

Defensive tackle Richard Seymour is out for the second straight game with a knee/hamstring problem.

Safety Tyvon Branch practiced on a limited basis Friday. He missed the first two days of practice this week with a neck injury. He is questionable and he will likely be a game-time decision. Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey missed his second straight day of practice with a hamstring injury and he is questionable. Rookie Rod Streater and veteran Derek Hagan will likely play a lot if Heyward-Bey can’t play.

Meanwhile, for Kansas City, receiver Jon Baldwin is out with a head/neck injury he suffered Monday night at Pittsburgh. Quarterback Brady Quinn is questionable with a concussion he suffered in Week 8. If he can’t play, Ricky Stanzi will be the backup quarterback. Center Ryan Lilja is questionable with a knee injury. There may be shuffling on the Chiefs offensive line with guard Jon Asamoah out with a thumb injury.

The chances are increasing that the San Diego Chargers will enter their pivotal game at Denver on Sunday without left tackle Jared Gaither and running back Ryan Mathews.

The two players missed their second straight day of practice Thursday. Mathews has a neck injury and Gaither missed last week’s game with a groin injury. Neither player is definitely out, but they must show some progress Friday to have a chance to play. San Diego linebacker Antwan Barnes was limited Thursday after not playing Sunday with a hamstring injury.

San Diego (4-5) trails Denver (6-3) by two games in the division. A loss would put San Diego behind by three games, and since Denver holds the tiebreaker, it would give an enormous lead in the division race with six games to go.

The Broncos are also dealing with a significant injuries. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil didn’t practice for the second day with a shoulder injury. Like Mathews and Gaither, odds are currently against him playing. Cornerback Tracy Porter continues to be out with an illness that has already cost him four games. Denver guard Chris Kuper was limited again by a severe ankle injury that kept him out of Week 10.

In other AFC West news:

Kansas City guard Jon Asamoah will not play Sunday at home against Cincinnati. He had surgery on his thumb and he will be replaced by Rush Hochstein.

Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel said receiver Jon Baldwin has not been cleared to practice because of a neck/head injury he suffered at Pittsburgh on Monday. Defensive tackle Dontari Poe (knee) and receiver Dwayne Bowe (thigh) were both limited Wednesday, but both practiced fully Thursday.

John Elway talks about the difference between Tim Tebow fans and Broncos fans in an interview with USA Today.

ESPN Stats & Information looks into the Adrian Peterson-Peyton Manning Comeback Player of the Year debate.

ESPN’s experts make their Week 11 picks.

UPDATE: The Denver Post reports Denver linebacker Von Miler was fined $21,00 for a low hit on Carolina quarterback Cam Newton on Sunday. Miller has now been fined at least $84,250 in less than two seasons.

Brady Quinn can practice, but he still can’t play.

Thus, it’s Matt Cassel time again.

For a player who has been replaced, Cassel is getting plenty of second chances.

Fresh off throwing a terrible interception in the opening seconds of overtime that resulted in a 16-13 loss at Pittsburgh on Monday night. Cassel will lead the Chiefs at home against Cincinnati on Sunday.

Quinn was named the permanent starter before Week 8. However, he suffered a concussion against Oakland in that game. He missed the next two games and has been cleared to practice, but he will not be cleared to play until the weekend. Instead of taking the risk that Quinn will not be cleared in time for the Bengals’ game, Crennel felt it is prudent to give Cassel the starter’s repetitions in practice and make him the starter. It’s the smart move just in case there is a complication for Quinn.

I’ve stated this before; this is all a stop-gap solution. I fully expect Kansas City to have a new starter next year. Quinn and/or Cassel are simply the best options for the time being.

Meanwhile, Crennel said receiver Jon Baldwin (neck/head) and guard Jon Asamoah (thumb) will not play Sunday, and receiver Dwayne Bowe (thigh) will be limited.

Gary Horton of Scouts Inc. had three AFC West players ranked among his 10 players from the AFC who he expects to break out in 2012. They are Oakland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (No. 7), Kansas City safety Kendrick Lewis (No. 9) and Denver receiver Demaryius Thomas (No. 10).

Using Horton’s piece as inspiration, I am offering a choice for a breakout player for each AFC West team. In the interest of keeping things fresh, I am not taking any of the three players Horton selected, although they are all fine players.

Denver safety Quinton Carter: I think we will see Carter, a fourth-round pick in 2011, become a key part of Denver’s defense in 2012. He played a lot in 2011. Carter, who can play both safety spots, made some plays and grew up quickly. I think he will be a solid starter this season.

Kansas City guard Jon Asamoah: The 2010 third-round pick became a starter last season and quietly became a good player. I think we will see Asamoah grow even more in 2012 and become a plus player. This line has a chance to be very good again; Asamoah is a big part of the future.

Oakland center Stefen Wisniewski: I am a big Wisniewski fan. I think he can become a Pro Bowl player. He was terrific at guard as a rookie and he is now playing center. I expect Wisniewski, who played his rookie season with a torn labrum, to be successful at center instantly and quickly show why he is one of the NFL’s better young linemen.

San Diego defensive end Corey Liuget: Don’t be surprised if Liuget explodes in 2012. The No. 18 overall pick last year had his moments, but he wasn't a standout. I think new defensive coordinator John Pagano is going to put Liuget in position to make plays and I think he is going to show people that his name is one to remember for the long haul.

We are continuing our divisional position ranking with the offensive linemen. Overall, it is a young group with many players who have potential to move up in future years.

1. Eric Winston, T, Kansas City: Arguably the best right tackle in the NFL. The Chiefs scored major with this free-agent signing.

2. Ryan Clady, T, Denver: Clady’s sack and penalty numbers are up, but he is still an above-average player who should benefit from playing with Peyton Manning.

3. Nick Hardwick, C, San Diego: A strong, reliable player whom the Chargers absolutely had to re-sign.

4. Chris Kuper, G, Denver: Ask any scout about underrated players and Kuper is probably on every list.

5. Jared Veldheer, T, Oakland: The list is getting difficult here. I’m going with Veldheer as the second-best left tackle based on potential. It’s sky-high.

6. Jared Gaither, T, San Diego: If healthy, he can be dominant -- as he showed with the Chargers late last season.

7. Branden Albert, T, Kansas City: Solid, not spectacular, but you can do a lot worse and I wouldn’t be shocked if the Chiefs gave him an extension this season..

8. Stefen Wisniewski, C, Oakland: I like this second-year guard-turned-center a lot. A future star.

9. Mike Brisiel, G, Oakland: Tough, gritty player who is perfect for the zone-blocking offense.

10. Louis Vasquez, G, San Diego: A quiet, solid contributor.

11. Jeromey Clary, T, San Diego: A lot of Chargers fans don’t like him, but he gets the job done.

12. Jon Asamoah, G, Kansas City: This second-year starter looks solid.

13. Ryan Lilja, G, Kansas City: A tough vet who is probably entering his final season as a starter in Kansas City.

14. J.D. Walton, C, Denver: A tough, young starter who still needs to find consistency.

15. Zane Beadles, G, Denver: He has potential, but still needs to grow.

16. Orlando Franklin, T, Denver: He struggled some as a rookie, but there is big potential there.

17. Cooper Carlisle, G, Oakland: He keeps hanging around. The end may be near, but he can zone-block.

18. Rodney Hudson, C, Kansas City: He is poised to start for the first time, taking over for Casey Wiegmann. He could be very good.

19. Tyronne Green, G, San Diego: He is taking over for the great Kris Dielman, who retired. Green has been good as an injury replacement in the past.

20. Khalif Barnes, T, Oakland: He could lose his job to Joe Barksdale if he slips.

After addressing their greatest need by taking nose tackle Dontari Poe at No. 11, the Kansas City Chiefs added offensive beef at pick No. 44 by taking Illinois’ Jeff Allen.

He played both tackle spots in college, but he projects as a guard in college. He will push Ryan Lilja. Allen is set to team with former college teammate Jon Asamoah, a starting guard for the Chiefs who was a third-round pick two years ago.

The Chiefs are going to be very young in the interior of the offensive line. Rodney Hudson, a second-round pick last season, is expected to take over at center.

Allen is a tough, big, gritty player who appears NFL ready. This pick helps solidify Kansas City’s offense.

Once again, the Chiefs chose to enhance quarterback Matt Cassel instead of replace him. Allen was taken over several players, including Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins. He could still end up with the Chiefs later in the draft, but the Allen pick shows the Chiefs are bent on giving Cassel the best possible offense he can have. Allen is known as an outstanding pass protector.

Sports Illusrated’s Peter King said Nnamdi Asomugha took less money from the Eagles than he would have gotten elsewhere because that’s where he wanted to land. Meanwhile, New York didn’t take kindly to Asomugha spurning the Jets for the Eagles.

ESPN’s Ashley Fox thinks Asomugha could help the Eagles to the Super Bowl this season. Sounds about right.

In other AFC West nuggets on an early Saturday afternoon:

The Denver Post thinks a Kyle Orton trade to Miami is dead because Orton can’t come to a contract accord with the Dolphins. Here’s an opinion that says the deal will still get done.

There is competition at right guard in San Diego.

Second-year guard Jon Asamoah has a chance to start after the Chiefs cut long-time stalwart Brian Waters.

Drew Brees loves having Darren Sproles in New Orleans.

The Chiefs don’t think tight end Tony Moeaki will be out of practice for long.

The Raiders are getting a good look at whether tackle Jared Gaither is healthy or not. If so, he could soon be signed.

After a rocky year, San Diego receiver Vincent Jackson says he feels at “home” with the Chargers. The question is, will it be his home after this season?

The Raiders reached out to their fans in a video to say thanks for hanging in during the lockout.

NFL.com is reporting former Denver tight end Daniel Graham is visiting the Steelers.

The Chiefs signed former Northwestern receiver Zeke Markshausen. He was in the Bears’ camp last year. He will have a difficult time making the roster.

I heard rumblings this summer that the Kansas City Chiefs would cut Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters, and I’ve heard rumblings from scouts that his skills have eroded some.

But it did come as a bit of surprise to receive the email from the Chiefs that they cut Waters on Thursday. He was a bright light for the organization and the community. He was a classy player and a classy guy off the field.

He was a leader of that team, and I thought the Chiefs might stick around for one more season with Waters. But it’s clear the Chiefs want to transition to some younger players on the line. Jon Asamoah, taken last year, could join veteran guard Ryan Lilja as a starter. Second-round pick Rodney Hudson also could push for guard time as veteran Casey Wiegmann plays one more year at center.

Asamoah and Hudson are good, young players the Chiefs need to look at. Plus, Wiegmann and Lilja will provide veteran leadership, so I think they withstand Waters’ departure. But his presence will be missed in the locker room. He was a pro’s pro.

Waters said his release was mutual (probably because he wants to remain a starter) and he is looking to continue his career elsewhere. I think Waters would be a good fit for a rising young team that needs help on the line.

Oakland, anyone?

Perhaps I wrote that selfishly. Waters is one of my favorite interview subjects and I’d love to get a chance to continue working with him. Wherever he goes, I’m sure he’ll be missed in Kansas City and appreciated for his service there, on the field and in the community, for the past 11 years.

Now that Kansas City has signed second-round picks Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas, there are now six unsigned draft picks in the AFC West, including all five first-round picks.

There have been indications out of Oakland and Denver, respectively, that Rolando McClain and Tim Tebow could sign in the next day or so. There shouldn’t be too much concern about the first-round picks. The round has been very slow to develop around the league.

Here, as of right now (this deal is fluid), is the list of the six unsigned rookies in the division:

Denver

Demaryius Thomas, WR, 1st round

Tim Tebow, QB, 1st round

Kansas City

Eric Berry, S, 1st round

Jon Asamoah, OL, 3rd round

Oakland

Rolando McClain, LB, 1st round

San Diego

Ryan Mathews, RB, 1st round

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced they have signed their two second-round picks -- Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas.

Kansas City has two unsigned draft picks remaining. They are first-round pick Eric Berry and third-round pick Jon Asamoah. There have been indications Asamoah may be close to finalizing his deal. Because the first round has been very slow to develop, it could take some time for Berry’s deal to finalize. The Chiefs start raining camp Friday.

It is significant that both McCluster and Arenas are signed. Both players are expected to have big roles as rookies. McCluster is a slot receiver and a returner. Arenas is a nickel cornerback and a returner.

Todd Haley is heading on vacation for some nice, quiet down time with his wife and their five children feeling much more comfortable about his team than he did last year.

As a rookie NFL coach, Haley was thrown into the fire when he took over the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2009. He went through his own growing pains while trying to change the culture in Kansas City and get his players in better shape. The Chiefs lost a collective 700-plus pounds last offseason.

After a 4-12 season in 2009, the Chiefs have made strides this offseason. Haley has brought in Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel to coordinate his offense and defense, respectively, along with secondary coach Emmitt Thomas. Their credentials have left Haley very comfortable with his staff this year.

Haley fired Chan Gailey as offensive coordinator days before the start of last season and took over the duties himself. He feels working with Weis -- the two shared an office together as assistants with the Jets in the 1990s -- will help him in every aspect.

Meanwhile, the roster appears to be in much better shape after the Chiefs shored up both sides of the ball in free agency and the draft. Haley has built a reputation for being very straightforward and honest about his team. Often last season, he said he thought his team wasn’t very good. After a productive offseason, Haley knows the Chiefs are heading in the right direction.

“It’s just June, but I feel very comfortable this year because of several different reasons,” Haley said in a recent telephone interview. “It’s been good … We still have a long, dark tunnel to get through but things are going well. Again, it’s only June, but I’m pleased about where things are at.”

In a 35-minute interview, Haley touched on several subjects. Here are some of the keys to the 2010 season as he sees it:

Quarterback Matt Cassel: Cassel took a lot of heat last season when he didn't make that big of a difference after signing a $40 million deal.

Yet Haley believes Cassel will benefit from an improved offensive line, the presence of running back Thomas Jones and a stronger receiving group. Haley has praised Cassel’s spirit, work ethic and resolve.

“This guy is making progress in a bunch of ways,” Haley said. “He had a very difficult year last year, but he didn’t crack. That’s a good sign. He has been one of our best workers this offseason, if not the best. He’s working.

“We had 50-plus drops last season. If those don’t happen, people would look at Cassel differently … If we get the improved offensive play around him that we hope to, I think people will feel better about Matt Cassel.”

Running back Thomas Jones: One reason for hope in Kansas City is the arrival of Jones. The combination of the veteran Jones, who had 1,400-plus yards last season and was third in the NFL in rushing, and young star Jamaal Charles gives Kansas City the makings of one of the best rushing attacks in the league.

Charles had 1,120 yards as a part-time starter, including 259 rushing yards at Denver in the season finale. One of the reasons why Jones was brought in was to keep the smallish Charles fresh so that he can use his game-breaking speed throughout the game.

So far, Haley likes what he sees in Jones, his new veteran tailback.

“Thomas Jones is a special dude,” Haley said. “He has a high football character guy. He hasn’t missed a day. He helps set the tone.”

The rookies:

The Chiefs are excited about their draft class. The team took Tennessee safety Eric Berry with the No. 5 overall pick and running back/receiver/returner Dexter McCluster and cornerback/returner Javier Arenas in the second round.

All three players are explosive, productive players who should help right away.

The other players in the 2010 draft class -- guard Jon Asamoah, tight end Tony Moeaki, safety Kendrick Lewis and linebacker Cameron Sheffield -- also have a chance to contribute in the near future, especially Moeaki.

Haley is thrilled with what he has seen from the rookies, but he still wants to see what they can do in training camp and in the preseason before defining expectations.

“We think this is a unique group,” Haley said. "We haven't been in pads and it's just June, but everyone has a chance to contribute sooner than later as a whole [class]." It’s a humble group, but it’s a group that is not intimidated. This whole thing doesn’t seem too big for this group.”

2008 first-round pick Glenn Dorsey and 2009 first-round pick Tyson Jackson: Dorsey was the No. 5 overall pick and Jackson was the No. 3 pick. Both have been early disappointments.

The Chiefs are counting on the two former Louisiana State stars to help improve the defense. Haley likes the effort he is seeing from both players.

On Dorsey: “He came in here last year out of shape and he was behind the eight ball. But he has stepped up and he has worked hard. He is trying to get better.”

On Jackson: “Tyson knows he had a difficult rookie reason. But he has worked his tail off and he wants to take the next step … I feel good about the both of those guys.”

Again, it’s only June, but it seems like Haley feels good about his entire team as the 2010 season approaches.

Because this is such a deep class, there are several terrific players available in the second round.

The following are some of the players I think could be interesting to each AFC West team.

Denver, No. 45

Donald Butler, LB, Washington

Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota

Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona

Linval Joseph, DL, East Carolina

Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

Brian Price, DT, UCLA

Kansas City, No. 36, No. 50

Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois

Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois

Charles Brown, OT, USC

Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama

Brian Price, DT, UCLA

Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana

Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

Oakland, No. 39

Charles Brown, OT, USC

Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

Vladimir Ducasse, OL, Massachusetts

Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana

Cam Thomas, DT, North Carolina

San Diego does not have a have a second-round pick. It does have three third-round picks next year, so it could move up to make a run at a player such as Cody or Price.