Chiefs coach wavers in backing QB Green; Huard still starter

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Coach Herman Edwards, who has been saying for weeks that Trent Green would replace Damon Huard as the Chiefs' starting quarterback when he is healthy, appeared to back off the subject Tuesday.

"The one thing you can never count out is chemistry on your football team, and that is very important," Edwards said. "At this point, I don't have to make that decision. It will be a decision I'll make."

Huard's excellent play -- 11 touchdown passes and only one interception in seven starts -- has split fans. Green could be back Nov. 19 against Oakland.

Radio talk shows have been abuzz and the Kansas City Star conducted an election-type reader poll on Tuesday as to which quarterback should play.

On Sunday, after Huard led the Chiefs to a 31-17 victory over St. Louis, Edwards was asked if Green would start when he's recovered from a concussion incurred in the opening game.

Damon Huard has created a surprising issue in Kansas City. (US PRESSWIRE)

"Yes," the coach said. echoing a sentiment he had expressed numerous times.

He said Tuesday that his new stance indicates a possible change of heart.

"No, I'm not waffling. What I don't want to talk about (is) a decision I don't have to make in this point in time because that's not important," he said.

"Trent's not playing this week. Damon Huard is the starting quarterback."

General manager Carl Peterson told reporters to drop the line of questioning.

When they didn't, he laughed nervously.

"This question is ad nauseam," Peterson said.

Huard had not started an NFL game for six years when Green, a two-time Pro Bowler who'd made 81 consecutive starts, went down in the season opener on Sept. 10 with a severe concussion.