The Kansas City Chiefs have lost another quarterback. The Chiefs fought for their playoff hopes last week before watching them go up in flames when Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL on the potential game-winning drive for Kansas City.
Gardner Minshew couldn’t complete the comeback and took the starting QB job into Week 16. But he suffered a knee injury of his own against the Titans.
What Happened to Gardner Minshew?
In the second quarter against the Titans, Minshew left the game with an apparent knee injury. After losing Mahomes, the Chiefs didn’t want to lose Minshew, but they did. He was replaced by Chris Oladokun and is questionable to return.
Minshew headed to the locker room after being examined, and Oladokun got his first real action in the NFL this season. Minshew was ruled out of the game during halftime. It’s the Oladokun show for the rest of the way.
Chiefs ruled out QB Gardner Minshew due to a knee injury. For the second straight week, the Chiefs QB has suffered a knee injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2025
Life comes at you fast in the NFL. Just last week, Kansas City had Mahomes leading them down the field in crunch time, as they had seen him do countless times over his career. Now, before halftime, they are already down to Oladokun.
Chiefs QB Depth Chart: Chris Oladokun Only Option Left for Kansas City
Things could get tricky for the Chiefs if Oladokun also gets hurt, as he is the only remaining quarterback available for them.
Currently, tight end Noah Gray is presumed to be the QB3 if needed; however, the Chiefs will hope Oladokun will be able to finish the game. It would be a must-watch television if Gray had to step in and play QB for the Chiefs.
If Oladokun ever thought he’d be in this position, it would be hard to believe him. But here he is trying to come back against the Titans in Week 16. Oladokun has looked good in his limited second-quarter action. He has completed six of his eight pass attempts for 46 yards and led the Chiefs to a field goal.
The Chiefs will have to add a quarterback for the next couple of weeks. If Oladokun can impress in the second half, he could keep the starting role for the next two weeks, or there will be another signal-caller under center in Week 17.
#UPDATE: Minshew has reportedly torn his ACL, and similar to Mahomes, will be out for the rest of the season. “Chiefs QB Gardner Minshew likely suffered a torn ACL in his left knee against the Titans today, sources tell Chiefs Digest,” wrote Matt Derrick on X. “He will undergo an MRI to confirm. Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew suffering torn left ACLs in back-to-back games is crazy bad luck.”
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
