On Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans, Gardner Minshew experienced a particularly disturbing injury. He managed to hurt his left knee in the process, with initial fear that he might have torn his ACL. According to sources ESPN spoke with, the injury occurred in the first quarter, on the second offensive play of the game. Minshew scrambled on the game’s third play and crumpled to the turf, sustaining what appeared to be a noncontact injury. This all-too-common occurrence is Minshew’s first start of the season.
When he first suffered the injury, Minshew walked to his locker room without his helmet on, raising red flags for both players and coaches. Rick Burkholder, the team’s vice president of sports medicine and performance, was seen embracing Minshew as he left the field. Minshew had to briefly exit the game into the medical tent for evaluation with 11 minutes remaining in the second quarter. Watching his passing attempts, it soon became obvious that he was struggling to complete passes.
This broke down as just 3-of-8 passing for 15 yards before Minshew left the game. His performance included 111 passing yards but saw him sacked four times, underscoring the pressure he faced during his short time on the field. As it stands, the Chiefs’ current offense is about to walk into uncharted waters. Undrafted rookie Chris Oladokun is likely to step in as the starter for the remainder of the season and would get his first nod on Christmas Day.
The ripple effects of Minshew’s injury are felt far beyond this week’s game. With hopes of the playoffs still at stake, no one can deny how losing their starting QB might change the team’s approach in the next few weeks. Oladokun articulated both the gravity of what’s at stake and a feeling of preparedness for the historic opportunity before her.
“The moment wasn’t too big for me,” – Chris Oladokun
His teammates have rallied around Minshew too, backing their beleaguered leader in stressful moments. Linebacker Nick Bolton highlighted Minshew’s dedication to the team throughout the season, noting how his commitment has bolstered team morale.
“On defense, we pour our hearts out to him. He gave his all for us, all the way back to training camp, just getting us ready for the season and being the scout team quarterback. He gets his opportunity to go play for real, so your heart goes out for him.” – Nick Bolton
Center Creed Humphrey brought out similar feelings as well, saying it was upsetting to see Minshew, who fuelled the team’s energy, get hurt.
“It sucks, and it’s horrible to see,” – Creed Humphrey
The Chiefs have reached a crossroads in their season with just two games left to play. He sees that even with the chance for Oladokun to enter the competition for a starting spot as both a challenge and an opportunity. Minshew heals from this potentially career-altering injury, he will be missed on the field. Teammates will similarly miss his leadership and innate ability to keep things light in the locker room.
Indy QB Gardner Minshew was so impressive that Chiefs head coach Andy Reid specifically mentioned him in his post-game remarks. He challenged the squad to unite and refocus following this disappointment. The clock is ticking, as the Chiefs will need to completely change their game plan. They’re forced to get ready for their next matchup without their starting quarterback.
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