The Chiefs are hoping that running back Jamaal Charles can surpass the 1,000-yard mark on Sunday. Charles needs to post 139 yards against Denver to reach the milestone. He has rushed for 100 or more yards in each of his last three games. "My fullbacks and offensive line are really trying to help me get there," Charles said of gaining 1,000 yards. "They're with me, the quarterback is in with me and the receivers are in with me. Everybody is in it with me and wants me to get it. I think it could be really big to build up my confidence."

The Chiefs benched quarterback Matt Cassel in the third quarter of the team's loss to the Broncos. Brodie Croyle wrapped up the game, which Denver won 44-13. Cassel finished 10-of-29 for pathetic 84 yards and two interceptions.

The Chiefs have lost running back Kolby Smith for the rest of the season with an ankle injury. In a related move, Kansas City promoted 2009 seventh-round draft choice running back Javarris Williams from the practice squad.

The Chiefs will retire No. 58 to honor late Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas. He will be the 10th player in Kansas City history to be honored. Thomas had completed his 11th NFL season when he died in February 2000 following a crash a month earlier.

Chiefs coach Todd Haley insisted on Monday that the team hasn't contacted Charlie Weis about joining their staff. Haley, Kansas City's rookie head coach and offensive play-caller, admitted that one day he'd like to give the offensive duties to someone else. "I believe in my heart of hearts that's the way to be the most efficient," Haley said. "It's fun calling plays. There's no doubt about that. I've also said my job is to be the head coach of the team and if and when that's possible, I would think that, in my opinion, is the best way to run the operation. "If you get the right situation."