KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With no playoffs and no Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs still insist they plan to finish the season strong and win their last three games.
That might prove difficult with a backup quarterback and a boatload of injuries, but the 6-8 Chiefs will begin the final stretch on the road Sunday against the 2-12 Titans.
“It’s frustrating, very disappointing,” said Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis. “Definitely not where we want to be or envisioned ourselves being. But now it’s about finishing and finishing out strong.”
The Chiefs would seemingly move up about five or six spots in the draft if they lost their last three games. The Chiefs haven’t had a top-10 pick since they selected Mahomes 10th overall in 2017.
With Mahomes out for the season and possibly the start of next season after having surgery to repair the ACL and LCL in his left knee, players and coaches have noticed the different feeling around Arrowhead. Veteran Gardner Minshew is now the starter and essentially has a three-game tryout of sorts as Mahomes is the only quarterback on the roster who is under contract for next season.
“We miss him,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “Everybody feels for him. At the same time this is a crazy business that way. Everybody moves on and Minshew steps up and now he has an opportunity to play and thank goodness he’s here. He’s got experience, and the guys trust him and the coaches trust him. And we all love Pat. He’s a special kid.
“As sick as Gardner is over the whole thing, he also has an opportunity and wants to do well. It’s great for him career-wise whether it’s here or somewhere else.”
Minshew, who has started 46 games and thrown 68 touchdowns in his career, said he definitely feels the weight of stepping into Mahomes’ shoes.
“Quick turnaround from a very emotional game and the situation with Pat and our team’s playoff picture,” Minshew said. “But you know what? You are where you’re at. And we got to turn this thing around and get a win this week. That’s where we are.”
INJURY UPDATE
The Chiefs will be without several players, including Leo Chenal (shoulder) Trent McDuffie (knee), Jaylon Moore (knee), Derrick Nnadi (illness), Rashee Rice (concussion), Jawaan Taylor (elbow) and Tyquan Thornton (concussion).
Chenal and Taylor were placed on injured reserve Saturday and will be out for the season. On the bright side, right guard Trey Smith (ankle) was a full participant in practice this week and is expected to play.
