Travis Kelce Reacts to New Chiefs QB After Patrick Mahomes' Injury

Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Travis Kelce Reacts to New Chiefs QB After Patrick Mahomes' Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Dec 26, 2025 5:29 AM ET

When Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, veteran Gardner Minshew replaced him.

But Minshew started in Week 16 and played less than one half before leaving the game against the Tennessee Titans with a knee injury.

Minshew did not suffer a torn ACL as was initially thought, but he did land on the Injured Reserve, ending his season.

That means Chris Oladokun's NFL debut, and he went 11-of-16 for 111 yards in the 26-9 loss to the Titans.

In Week 17, Oladokun got his first-ever start against the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day, although he went just 13-of-22 for 66 yards with a touchdown in the 20-13 loss at Arrowhead Stadium.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

After the game, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had some strong words for Oladokun.

"I'm proud of him, man," Kelce said. "Throughout the week, his attention to detail, professionalism, his leadership, couldn't be happier for the guy, obviously wish we could've got that win for him."

Travis Kelce with high praise for Chris Oladokun tonight #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/BEO9Srf0Ib
— McKenzie Nelson (@McKenzieMNelson) December 26, 2025

Kelce began by joking about Oladokun's fumble that resulted in a pass.

Here was that play from the game on Thursday.

Here is the Oladokun fumble pass play again!
Wild #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/lue99fFQsN
— Chiefs Lead (@ChiefsLead) December 26, 2025

Oladokun played college football at each of Samford, South Florida and finished his college career at South Dakota State.

He was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers but joined the Chiefs later that year and has been primarily on the practice squad.

The Chiefs have one more game left this season, which comes against the Las Vegas Raiders on the road in Week 18, and Oladokun playing well could be big for his future with the Chiefs.

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

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