It didn't take long for the Nick Foles era to begin in Kansas City, though it probably won't last long.

With Alex Smith still dealing with the effects of the apparent head injury he sustained during the Chiefs' win over the Colts this past Sunday, it'll be Foles who starts under center against the Jaguars this week. If Foles were to leave the game with an injury, Tyler Bray would step in.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid made the announcement Wednesday, adding that he does not believe Smith suffered a concussion. According to Reid, he's been symptom-free, though he's still dealing with other knocks.

"He's got lumps on the back of his ears, and a cut ear, and all these things," Reid said, per the Kansas City Star. "Just let that heal up and everything settle down. We'll have a chance to evaluate him."

Smith suffered injuries twice. The first incident occurred in the first quarter, when Smith tried to slide to avoid a sack and ended up taking a shot to the head, which also bounced off the turf. But Smith eventually returned and, again, had his head bounce off the turf when he tried to slide in the second half. He ended up leaving the game for good.

So, Smith is still stuck in the "return-to-play" protocol, even though the team says he hasn't suffered a concussion. Clearly, it's an unusual situation. Regardless, it'll be Foles' offense on Sunday.

"It's just in the best interest, I think, of all (involved) that we allow him to go through this," Reid said. "We'll go ahead and start Nick this week."

The Chiefs are lucky to have the flexibility of going to a quarterback of Foles' caliber -- especially considering they acquired him in August. In relief of Smith last week, Foles went 16 of 22 for 223 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 135.2 passer rating.

He outplayed Smith.

The Chiefs are also lucky they'll be facing the hapless Jaguars. Jacksonville, 2-5, is allowing 28 points per game.

If the Chiefs can survive a game without their starter, they'll be in a good position as the second half of the season gets underway. At 5-2, the Chiefs are keeping pace with the 6-2 Broncos and Raiders in the AFC West.