Chiefs TE Named Likely Emergency QB After Gardner Minshew Injury

Story by

Ankit K.

Sun, Dec 21, 2025 ·

3 min read

The Kansas City Chiefs may be facing an unusual quarterback situation after Gardner Minshew exited Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans with a knee injury.

With Patrick Mahomes already lost for the season, Kansas City ’s depth at the position is thin. Chris Oladokun stepped in after Minshew went down . If another injury occurs, the Chiefs may need an emergency option.

That possibility has sparked discussion around Travis Kelce . According to A to Z Sports, Kelce was viewed by many as a potential emergency quarterback on the active roster.

"The likeliest candidate for the Chiefs’ emergency backup quarterback job this week and beyond is none other than future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce," Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports wrote.

A to Z added an update to their article, writing that tight end Noah Gray actually serves as the team's emergency quarterback.

Here's their update:

"The Chiefs say that the third QB helmet (which carries a communications system) belongs to TE Noah Gray. He’d likely be next-man-up if Chris Oladokun were injured, now that Gardner Minshew has been ruled out."

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray (83) walks from the locker room to the field.© Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
(© Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

The report was also confirmed by the Kelce Brothers fan page.

"As many of you know, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury (surgery went well, and he’s now rehabbing). Chiefs backup QB, Gardner Minshew, started in today’s game against the Titans in Nashville, but he is now in the locker room with a knee injury," a post from the Kelce Brothers reads .

"Chris Oladokun is filling in as the only healthy quarterback available. In previous seasons the Chiefs have said Travis Kelce could play emergency QB if necessary. But the Chiefs have now informed us that the third QB helmet belongs to Noah Gray."

Gray has been with the Chiefs since 2021 after being drafted in the fifth round of the draft. This season, he has recorded 17 receptions for 146 yards. However, he did play quarterback for two seasons in high school before moving to his original wide receiver position in his senior year.

The idea of Kelce playing QB is not entirely far-fetched as well. Like Gray, Kelce played quarterback in high school, passing for over 1,500 yards and rushing for more than 1,000 in his senior season before converting to tight end in college.

Kelce also has limited NFL experience throwing the ball. He attempted passes in both 2017 and 2020, completing one for four yards. While those moments were brief, they showed the team’s comfort with putting the ball in his hands. As one of the locker room’s leaders, Kelce’s football IQ adds to the case.

Mahomes’ season ended after he tore both his ACL and LCL in Week 15, requiring surgery. With the Chiefs eliminated from playoff contention, the final three games are about evaluation and stability.

Kansas City sits at 6-8 and is third in the AFC West before the Titans game. Injuries have reshaped the season, forcing creative solutions. If the quarterback depth is tested again, Gray may find himself in a role few would expect.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.