Gardner Minshew Injury Update: New Details Emerge After Early ACL Fears

Gardner Minshew and Patrick Mahomes’ injuries put the period on what was a disastrous second half of the 2025-26 season for the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes suffered an ACL tear against the Los Angeles Chargers, ending his season early. Minshew suffered his own knee injury against the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 21.

However, while initially feared to be an ACL tear for both quarterbacks, NFL insider Adam Schefter’s Wednesday X report offered good news for Mahomes’ backup.

“As it turns out, Chiefs QB Gardner Minshew did not tear his ACL as initially feared, per source,” Schefter posted. “It turned out to be a bone bruise that did not require any surgery. Minshew didn’t suffer any long-term damage to the knee and he already is back to full strength as he prepares to head to free agency.”

Of course, a Dec. 22 ESPN report had already confirmed that Minshew’s ACL wasn’t torn, but Schefter’s report added more details, revealing the injury to be a bone bruise. The different diagnosis is likely to shorten his recovery timeline considerably.

Exploring Potential Gardner Minshew Free Agency Landing Spots

An offensive upheaval is taking place in Kansas City, and Gardner Minshew’s contract situation is setting the backup quarterback up for an exit. With his contract ending in the coming weeks (Spotrac), Minshew may need to find a new home.

One fit that makes a lot of sense is the Washington Commanders, a team coming off a lost season due in no small part to Jayden Daniels’ litany of injuries. Josh Johnson and Jeff Driskel line the backup room, leaving room for a dose of Minshew Mania.

Of course, aside from Washington, the New York Jets are in need of a new face heading into April, as are the Cleveland Browns, a team in which nothing is guaranteed on offense.

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