The Kansas City Chiefs were doomed the moment Patrick Mahomes fell to the ground, clenching his knee in Week 15. Making things worse, backup Gardner Minshew, too, went down with a knee injury the following week. However, as they say, magic happens when you least expect it. 

If you ask Travis Kelce, that magic turned out to be Chris Oladokun. 

“He throws a good ball,” said Kelce on the latest episode of the New Heights podcast. “On top of that, man, he’s a gamer. He’s going to go out there, and he’s going to have some fun. I call it the Chris O experience, baby. The Oladokun experience. You don’t know what’s going to happen. He’s got that exciting playmaking ability.”

Without the pressure of clinching the shining playoff berth, the winds have been lighter in Kansas City. That’s probably why the quarterback whose name felt alien to the ears of Chiefs faithful now looks forward to seeing him more. Against the Titans, Andy Reid had structured the game plan with Minshew in mind, but Oladokun adjusted swiftly into it. 

It may not have been a victory, but Oladokun showed promise. He went 11-of-16 passes for 111 yards. That promise became more fruitful when he started Week 17, facing the Denver Broncos. Against all odds, the third-string quarterback gave the Broncos’ defense (ranked among the league’s top three) a tough time by completing 13 of 22 passes for 66 yards. 

That night, Oladokun earned respect in the eyes of the legendary tight end. 

“I’m proud of him, man,” Kelce said post-game. “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.”

But more than anything, Oladokun showed glimpses of the three-time Super Bowl champion, Mahomes, in Week 17. Stats may not show, but he repeatedly escaped collapsing pockets, completed passes under pressure, and avoided sacks. Perhaps it’s the result of sitting in the shadow of Mahomes for two seasons.

Even the conversation around Oladokun’s name has started calling game managers. Charmed by the 28-year-old ruling the Chiefs Kingdom, Nate Taylor of ESPN predicted a promising future for him. 

“When he had limited opportunities, Oladokun showed he is capable of being a quality game manager,” Taylor wrote. “In just 16 attempts prior to the final drive, Oladokun never put the ball in danger. Instead, he had some nice moments scrambling and improvising to create yards.”

Perhaps it’s time for head coach Reid move him up on the depth chart. 

Can Chris Oladokun become Patrick Mahomes’ backup?

Backup Minshew has never been good enough for a starter, but ‘perfect’ for backup. However, Oladokun proved he’s a bundle of surprises. There isn’t a question of starter until Mahomes stands at the helm, but sooner or later, the Chiefs ought to find a backup as good as him. It appears Oladokun is impressing his way to it. 

“I’m proud of Chris for going out and jumping in at quarterback on a short week and handling what he needed to handle there,” said head coach Reid following Week 17’s loss. “I thought he did a good job at running things and executing when needed.”

Up until now, there has never been a need to bring younger quarterbacks to learn under Mahomes. In fact, the two-time NFL MVP has always been the younger one, while a veteran covers as backup.

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However, Mahomes has sustained a torn ACL and LCL, and the recovery is estimated to take nine months. There’s a good probability that he’ll be ready by Week 1, 2026, but the Chiefs might seek a veteran who can play the first few games of the season if Mahomes isn’t ready. If things go well, their answer can be Oladokun.