Case Keenum will start at quarterback for the Texans this Sunday at Kansas City, head coach Gary Kubiak said on Thursday.
"He continues to grow, and we're struggling and looking for a spark," Kubiak said. "I think he deserves an opportunity to go out there."
Matt Schaub exited Sunday's loss to the Rams with a leg and ankle injury in the second half, and was replaced by backup T.J. Yates. Schaub has been ruled out for this Sunday, and will not play at Kansas City.
After consulting with the team medical training staff, Kubiak told Keenum and the team about
the decision on Thursday morning.
"I wanted to operate today and tomorrow with him getting the majority of the reps and the team knowing what's going on," Kubiak said. "He's given me confidence throughout camp."
Keenum was signed as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Houston in May of 2012. He started at Dallas in the final preseason game this August, and was kept on the 53-man roster as the third quarterback.
The Chiefs' defense is atop the NFL in sacks (31) and takeaways (18), and Arrowhead Stadium is one of the loudest gameday environments in the League. But Kubiak said Keenum won't be alone on Sunday.
"I'm not sending him out there by himself," Kubiak said. "I'm sending him out there with this football team, and the guys understand that."
