Gardner Minshew Injury Update: What Does It Mean for Chiefs QB Depth?

Gardner Minshew Injury Update developments forced the Kansas City Chiefs to adjust their quarterback depth chart on Monday, December 22. Medical testing confirmed Minshew avoided a torn ACL, but he is still expected to miss time with a knee injury.

The update came as Kansas City remains without Patrick Mahomes, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. With both top quarterbacks sidelined, the Chiefs acted quickly to stabilize the position.

Gardner Minshew Injury Update and Roster Decision

The Gardner Minshew Injury Update brought partial relief for the Chiefs. Initial fears on Sunday suggested Minshew suffered a torn ACL after leaving the Titans game early with a knee injury. Further evaluations on Monday ruled out a ligament tear, according to reporting from NFL Network.

Despite the positive news, Minshew is not expected to return immediately. Team sources indicated he is likely to miss at least the Christmas Day matchup against the Denver Broncos. His status beyond that game remains uncertain as the regular season nears its final weeks.

With Mahomes already ruled out for the year, the Chiefs were left without an active quarterback behind third-string option Chris Oladokun. That situation created urgency inside the organization. Kansas City responded by signing Shane Buechele off the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad on Monday.

Buechele is not unfamiliar with the franchise. He spent time with the Chiefs during the 2021 and 2022 seasons as a developmental backup behind Mahomes. Although he has yet to appear in an NFL regular-season game, the team values his familiarity with the offensive system.

Oladokun is expected to start the upcoming game if both Mahomes and Minshew remain unavailable. Buechele will serve as the immediate backup, giving Kansas City a functional depth chart at a critical point in the season.

What the Move Signals for Kansas City

This roster move reflects the seriousness of the Gardner Minshew Injury Update for the Chiefs. While the injury is not season-ending, it removes an experienced veteran from availability during a crucial stretch. The team opted for system familiarity rather than pursuing an outside free agent.

The Chiefs are prioritizing stability and continuity. Oladokun has limited NFL experience, and adding Buechele ensures the offense can function if another injury occurs. It also reduces the need for emergency signings later in the week.

Longer term, the situation underscores how quickly quarterback depth can become a major issue. Kansas City is managing injuries while attempting to stay competitive late in the season. Every decision now carries added weight.

The Gardner Minshew Injury Update confirms Kansas City avoided the worst-case scenario. However, the Chiefs are still navigating life without their top two quarterbacks as the season winds down.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest Gardner Minshew injury update?

Minshew avoided a torn ACL but suffered a knee injury. He is expected to miss at least one game.

Q2: Is Gardner Minshew out for the season?

No season-ending injury was found. His return timeline depends on recovery and medical clearance.

Q3: Who will start at quarterback for the Chiefs now?

Chris Oladokun is expected to start if Mahomes and Minshew remain out. Shane Buechele will back him up.

Q4: Why did the Chiefs sign Shane Buechele?

The Chiefs needed quarterback depth. Buechele knows the system from prior seasons with Kansas City.

Q5: When did Patrick Mahomes suffer his injury?

Mahomes suffered a torn ACL earlier in the season and has been ruled out for the remainder of the year.