The Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback depth has been decimated for the second consecutive week, with backup Gardner Minshew feared to have suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Sunday’s 26-9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. This comes just days after starter Patrick Mahomes was ruled out for the season with an ACL tear, casting a shadow over the team’s final games and raising concerns about their offensive stability.
Minshew’s injury occurred early in the game when he scrambled on the third play and fell to the turf with a non-contact issue. He immediately reached for his knee and hobbled off the field, attempting to continue but struggling with his footwork on passing attempts. Sources confirmed to ESPN that the team fears an ACL tear, pending further evaluation, with ChiefsDigest.com first reporting the concern. The timing is particularly brutal as Minshew was making his first start of the season in Mahomes’ absence.
The loss of Mahomes last week had already eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention, and Minshew’s injury exacerbates the team’s woes. Center Creed Humphrey expressed sympathy, stating, “It sucks, and it’s horrible to see. Obviously, I hope he’s all right.” Linebacker Nick Bolton added that the offense was deflated by Minshew’s absence, praising his dedication from training camp through his scout team role.
With Minshew out, third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun entered the game and finished with 111 passing yards, though he was sacked four times. Oladokun, who has minimal NFL experience, said he felt calm and saw the field well, noting that Mahomes was among the first to text him after the game. His performance, while not stellar, provided a glimpse into the Chiefs’ emergency options as they navigate this crisis.
Coach Andy Reid acknowledged the challenging season, which will see the Chiefs finish with a losing record for the first time since he joined in 2013. “Nobody likes losing in this business, but my hat goes off for the guys who have put together all these years [with a winning record],” Reid said. He emphasized the need to learn from the experience, suggesting that such setbacks can serve as a motivator for improvement.
Looking ahead, Oladokun is expected to start the final two games of the season, including a Christmas Day matchup against the Denver Broncos. He expressed readiness for the opportunity, calling the potential start on Christmas special with family in town. The Chiefs have only one practice before Thursday’s game, adding to the urgency of adapting to their third quarterback in as many weeks.
The consecutive ACL injuries to Mahomes and Minshew highlight the physical toll of the NFL and the fragility of quarterback positions. For the Chiefs, this lost season may prompt roster evaluations and strategic changes in the offseason. Despite the setbacks, players like Oladokun see value in the experience for young team members, potentially building resilience for future campaigns.
In summary, the Chiefs’ quarterback room is in disarray, with Minshew’s suspected ACL tear compounding the team’s struggles. As they await official diagnosis and prepare for their final games, the focus shifts to development and recovery, with hopes pinned on a brighter 2026 season.
