The Kansas City Chiefs received encouraging news regarding quarterback Gardner Minshew, whose recent injury has been confirmed as a bone bruise rather than a torn ACL. This news comes as a significant boost for the team, which is navigating a challenging season following injuries to key players. Minshew, who joined the Chiefs in the summer of 2023, has been serving as the backup to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Minshew’s injury occurred during Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans. After stepping in for Mahomes, who had suffered a torn ACL and LCL the previous week, Minshew managed to throw for just 15 yards before sustaining his own knee injury. The 29-year-old was carted off the field, raising concerns about the severity of the damage. Fortunately, reports indicate that he has avoided serious long-term issues and is now fully fit as he heads into free agency, according to ESPN.
Minshew’s performance was cut short in the Titans game, with backup Chris Oladokun completing the match as quarterback and starting the final two games of the season. The veteran quarterback has a notable history in the NFL, playing in 63 games for teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, and Las Vegas Raiders before joining the Chiefs.
Minshew signed a one-year deal with Kansas City last summer, and during a recent press conference, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in Minshew’s abilities. “We had brought Gardner in to do that [backup role],” Reid noted. “Unfortunately, he got hurt early in that (Titans) game, but we still have a ton of confidence that he can do that. He is somebody that has won games in the league and at the same time understands his role.”
As Minshew recovers, the Chiefs are also focused on the future of their starting quarterback. Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl winner, underwent surgery the day after his ACL tear against the Los Angeles Chargers. He is targeting a return for Week 1 of the upcoming season. “The doctor kind of gives you goals to get to,” Mahomes stated. “I just try to maximize those – they hold me back because I always want to go a little bit further. Obviously long-term, I want to be ready for Week 1.”
The Chiefs are now in a position to evaluate their quarterback roster as they head into the off-season. With Minshew’s injury not as severe as initially feared, the team can focus on building a solid backup plan while awaiting Mahomes’ return. The dynamics of the Chiefs’ quarterback situation will be critical as they prepare for the challenges of the next NFL season.
