The quarterback play on the Kansas City Chiefs is suffering from an unprecedenteed bad luck streak. First, Patrick Mahomes suffered an ACL tear, only for backup Gardner Minshew to suffer a left knee injury a week later. Now, Andy Reid will have a new quarterback to work with.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Chiefs are signing Shane Buechele off the Bills’ practice squad. He spent time with the Chiefs in the 2021-2022 seasons. If he passes a physical test, he will be headed to Kansas City and join Andy Reid and the squad.
While it’s been confirmed that Minshew didn’t tear his ACL, providing a beacon of hope for Reid in Mahomes’ absence, he will miss time and was placed on Injured Reserve. Hence, the Chiefs need a new quarterback to join Chris Oladokun on the depth chart. Buechele was one of three options alongside Bailey Zappe and Ian Book.
Chiefs are not under any rush
It’s not normal to say this, but KC has nothing to play for in December. Usually, the Chiefs are in the middle of a first-seed battle and preparing for the NFL Playoffs. Not this year, since they are already eliminated from postseason contention.
Shane Buechele #12 of the Kansas City Chiefs
Hence, if Buechele plays, it’s not like he needs to win games. He is actually playing with house money. Buechele has yet to play in an NFL game. He played three games for the Chiefs during preseason back from 2021-2023. Buechele threw for nine touchdowns and six interceptions in that span. However, Oladokun wanted Reid to hear that he felt comfortable being the Chiefs QB in Week 16.
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Chris Oladokun sends clear message to Andy Reid about Chiefs QB job with Gardner Minshew, Patrick Mahomes injured
Where has Buechele been since leaving the Chiefs?
This is a reunion, but Buechele was cut by the Chiefs back in 2023. In 2024 and 2025, the Bills have had Buechele on their practice squad. He has been honing his skills there ever since.
Buechele was a productive college quarterback and SMU, and has shown some flashes of good arm talent and good completion percentage. He set SMU records for passing, total offense, and touchdown passes.
