Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Chiefs Place Quarterback on Injured Reserve After Missing Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 6:53 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes' season with the Kansas City Chiefs was cut short due to a torn ACL.

After Mahomes has surgery to repair his knee injury, the Chiefs turned to Gardner Minshew to be the starter in Kansas City.

Minshew led the Chiefs into Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans.

While Minshew has plenty of playing experience and received high praise from the coaching staff for his ability to run the offense, an unfortunate setback hit the former NFL favorite.

Minshew suffered a knee injury against the Titans. He was ruled out of the game early and after further evaluation, Minshew will be out for the rest of the season.

On Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs announced that Minshew has been placed on injured reserve.

"We have signed QB Shane Buechele to the active roster from the Buffalo Bills practice squad. We have placed QB Gardner Minshew on Reserve/Injured," posted the official social media account of the Kansas City Chiefs.

We have signed QB Shane Buechele to the active roster from the Buffalo Bills practice squad.

We have placed QB Gardner Minshew on Reserve/Injured. pic.twitter.com/8ASnfbcABD
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 22, 2025

After Gardner Minshew suffered the injury in Week 16, the Kansas City Chiefs turned to Chris Oladokun, who finished the game at quarterback for the AFC team.

The Chiefs ultimately lost 26-9 to the Titans.

Following the injury to Minshew, Kansas City also signed Buffalo Bills quarterback Shane Buechele.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks on as quarterback Gardner Minshew (17) warms up.Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs have been eliminated from the playoffs, with a Week 15 loss having formerly ended their hopes of playing in the postseason. They'll know finished the season with divisional matchups against the Broncos and the Raiders.

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

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