DENVER -- Quarterback Brian Griese questioned his future with the Denver Broncos on Wednesday after learning he will not start against Arizona even if his sprained left knee is healthy.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Steve Beuerlein will start against the Cardinals on Sunday as Denver clings to slim playoff hopes. The news left Griese dejected and somber at his weekly news conference.

"I've always had passion for the game,'' Griese said. "I wouldn't do this if I didn't have passion for the game. It's just that this isn't fun for me. I don't know who it would be fun for. I don't think that anybody in my situation would have a good time sitting here on Christmas talking about this kind of stuff. But that's my life, and so I'll find a way to go forward.''

Shanahan said he made the decision based on Denver's 28-16 loss to Oakland on Sunday, and not on how Griese fits into Denver's future plans.

The Broncos had a chance to win the AFC West against the Raiders, but fell behind 21-0 after Griese threw two interceptions in the first quarter. His quarterback rating was 14.2 before Bill Romanowski knocked him out in the second quarter.

Beuerlein threw for 288 yards and a touchdown in his place, leading the Broncos to 16 points before the Raiders pulled away.

"When a guy really steps up and performs like he did, and Brian didn't have one of his better games, I feel that it gives us the best chance to win by giving that person an opportunity to start,'' Shanahan said. "And we're talking about this game. You don't know anything beyond this game. My job is to give our football team the best chance to win this weekend.''

A knee injury from earlier in the season kept Griese from being able to avoid Romanowski, but escaping mediocrity hasn't been any easier.

Griese is 27-24 as a starter since taking over for John Elway in 1999, and the Broncos have reached the playoffs just once. He went to the Pro Bowl in 2000 after throwing for 21 touchdowns and just four interceptions -- the second-best ratio in league history -- but followed with 19 interceptions last year.

This season, Griese has thrown for 3,214 yards and 15 touchdowns, but he's also thrown 15 interceptions and has made some key mistakes late in several games. He nearly got benched in Denver's opener against St. Louis, and had a crucial interception late in a loss to the New York Jets on Dec. 8.

The up-and-down season capped by being benched has taken the fun out of the game for Griese.

"I wish I could enjoy the game a little bit more,'' Griese said. "I mean I still love to be out there and I love to play and I love to compete. There's just so many other things that go with this game now. I hope to continue to learn more about how to handle those situations.

"This is definitely one that if I can handle the pain and the hurt that I feel now I think I'll be much better, not only as a football player but a much better person.''