Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to bounce back from a disappointing NFL season in 2025, one that saw the star quarterback go down with an ACL and LCL tear in Week 15. But with Mahomes recovering from his injury, he was forced to sit out each of the Chiefs’ three preseason games, ending with a 0-2-1 record.
Now, Kansas City is preparing for its 2026 NFL season opener, facing Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos in Week 1’s edition of “Monday Night Football.” And Mahomes is expected to be healthy enough to play, with coach Andy Reid noting that “he’s going to keep practicing, just like he’s been doing.”
And while nothing has been confirmed, even teammates such as wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who is confident Mahomes is 100% back. While we await official word on whether Mahomes will play in Week 1, another Chiefs quarterback will be heading elsewhere.
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Chris Oladokun was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the No. 241 pick in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After fighting for a roster spot with the Steelers, the former South Dakota State quarterback was waived before his rookie season, only to sign with the Chiefs just over a week later.
Oladokun has been in Kansas City for the last four seasons, spending a majority of his career on the practice squad. But on August 30, Oladokun was waived/injured with an undisclosed injury that forced him to miss the preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks.
But after going unclaimed, Oladokun cleared waivers and reverted back to the Chiefs’ injured reserve. And on Friday, Kansas City finalized an injury settlement, officially waiving Oladokun and making him a free agent.
Running back E.J. Smith and guard C.J. Hanson also agreed to an injury settlement, with the Chiefs waiving them from IR as well. Kansas City hosted numerous players for tryouts as well, including seven pass catchers and three defenders.
“The Chiefs reached injury settlements with E.J. Smith, Chris Oladokun, and C.J. Hansen, waiving them from injured reserve,” A to Z Sports’ Charles Goldman wrote on X.
The Chiefs will face the Broncos on Monday, Sept. 14, at 8:15 p.m. ET.
