Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Chiefs Coach Sends Firm Message About Patrick Mahomes’ Replacement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Dec 15, 2025 2:27 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs saw their 2025 season collapse in heartbreaking fashion Sunday, falling 16-13 to the Los Angeles Chargers and seeing their postseason hopes end for the first time since 2014.

Kansas City battled in a tight defensive struggle at Arrowhead Stadium but ultimately couldn’t hold on after a late Chargers field goal gave Los Angeles the lead. The defeat dropped the Chiefs to 6-8, snapped multiple streaks of division titles and playoff appearances, and turned a must-win game into a bitter finish.

What made the loss even more devastating was the injury to franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who went down late in the fourth quarter after his knee buckled while attempting to throw and was later diagnosed with a torn ACL in his left knee.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15).Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Mahomes’ injury not only ended the Chiefs’ season on the spot but also cast uncertainty over the team’s long-term outlook and next year’s plans.

The consequences of Mahomes’ injury are significant. A torn ACL typically requires surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period that could extend into the early part of the 2026 season, leaving the Chiefs without their perennial MVP candidate and leader.

With Kansas City eliminated from playoff contention, attention immediately turned to the team’s next option under center: Gardner Minshew, who took over late in Sunday’s game and ultimately threw a game-ending interception that sealed the loss.

Head coach Andy Reid addressed the situation Monday, making it clear the team trusts its current depth chart and sees this stretch as a chance for replacements to step up.

“I've got a ton of confidence in Gardner (Minshew)… Chris Oladokun, behind him, will work up there,” Reid said via Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports. “Chris has been with us for a while, too. Those are two guys our guys trust and will play hard for.”

Chiefs HC Andy Reid on not having another QB on the roster in 2026 and this potentially being an audition for Gardner Minshew in the next three games: "I've got a ton of confidence in Gardner (Minshew)... Chris Oladokun, behind him, will work up there. Chris has been with us for…
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) December 15, 2025

Minshew, a seven-year veteran with experience leading NFL offenses, has compiled solid stats over his career. Boasting a Pro Bowl selection, he has completed 63.3% of his passes and thrown for 11,972 yards and 68 touchdowns across 62 games played with multiple teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles.

Though undersized compared with Mahomes, he has shown an ability to manage games and extend drives, traits Kansas City hopes will stabilize the offense as the club prepares for life without its star. Meanwhile, Chris Oladokun, a depth option familiar with the Chiefs’ system, provides some level of insurance for the franchise.

The Chiefs will use the next three games as a gauge for their backups and roster direction, with the Week 16 matchup on the road against the Tennessee Titans offering a prime opportunity for Minshew to lead Kansas City. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET Sunday, and the game will be televised on CBS.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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