Signs not related to LJ’s suspension

It’s a good thing Larry Johnson sent out those tweets questioning Chiefs coach Todd Haley’s coaching credentials. They’ve given context and meaning to the signs posted outside the Chiefs locker room suggesting, among other things, that “losers assemble in small groups and complain about the coaches and other players.”

Haley, asked about the signs for the first time on Thursday, said it was a coincidence the signs were placed shortly after Johnson was suspended because of his now-infamous tweets. The signs, Haley said, have been planned for some time.

“I have a coach assigned to signage and posters and he’s just been slow,” Haley said. “I won’t say who it is.

“Just words I think are important. They might have been signs I’ve had in other places or thoughts we came up with as a staff. You might see more of them. You won’t see some. You might see others. Just little reminders to the players to kind of keep them thinking in the direction we think they ought to be thinking.

“We as football coaches like to put up quotes. That’s fun for us.”

Adjustment a part of Cassel’s job

Quarterback Matt Cassel said Thursday that it hasn’t been a distraction for him, and it has not upset his own pursuit of rhythm, as the Chiefs continue to audition new wide receivers — which they have done since the early days of training camp.

Kansas City brought in veterans Amani Toomer, Ashley Lelie and Bobby Engram before the regular season began, before signing Bobby Wade and, this week, Chris Chambers. Toomer and Lelie were released during final roster cuts.

“My job is to go out there and execute the offense,” Cassel said. “Whatever players are out there, whether it’s the offensive line or receivers, you go out there and you try to do your best and try to execute what the coaches give you. And you try to take care of what you have to do as an individual.”

Offense urgency

Haley said he wants the team to start faster and stay fast, instead of continually trying to keep up with quicker teams. Haley said the team would spend part of today’s practice simulating the beginning of a game.

“You’ve got to catch the ball, got to get our blocks, quarterback has got to get rid of the football,” Haley said. “All different things a period starts that’s as close as we can get to starting a game. You just have to coach it up, try to come up with the right mix of plays that give you the right opportunity to start fast and guys can execute.”

Haley said his staff spent part of the bye week, which was last week, trying to fine-tune an offense that hasn’t been intimidating or quick this season.

Injury report

Chiefs free safety Jon McGraw (thigh) and cornerback Mike Richardson (illness) missed practice for the second consecutive day. Right guard Mike Goff (shoulder) and center Rudy Niswanger (knee) were limited, and left tackle Branden Albert (ankle) was a full participant.

For Jacksonville, cornerback Scott Starks (hamstring) missed Thursday’s workout, guard Maurice Williams (knee) was limited, and cornerbacks Rashean Mathis (finger) and Brian Witherspoon (hamstring) were full participants.