The Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) have decided to rest key starters, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes II, in their Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers (5-11).
This decision led to two roster moves announced on January 6, with the activation of Practice Squad players DT Matt Dickerson and QB Chris Oladokun through Standard Elevation.
In line with their plan to start veteran quarterback Blaine Gabbert, the Chiefs have elevated Oladokun as the backup. Gabbert, with 68 games and 48 starts in his NFL career, holds a record of 13-35, averaging 137.3 passing yards per game, with a completion rate of 56.4% and a career passer rating of 72.1. Oladokun, a seventh-round pick in 2022, is set to serve as the backup, having shown promise in the 2023 preseason.
The Chiefs also executed an elevation for Matt Dickerson, who was released from the 53-man roster on December 30, signed to the practice squad on January 2, and now finds himself back with the active squad. Dickerson, 28, has contributed to the defensive tackle rotation for Kansas City this season.
As for injury updates, the Chiefs have ruled out several key players, including Mahomes, left tackle Donovan Smith, wide receivers Kadarius Toney and Rashee Rice, and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. Additionally, some players, such as Nick Bolton, Isiah Pacheco, Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis, and Mike Danna, are listed as questionable. It’s uncertain how many snaps some starters like Chris Jones and Travis Kelce will get, but head coach Andy Reid hasn’t ruled them out.
The article also provides information on roster moves and injury updates for the Los Angeles Chargers, including the signing of outside linebacker Ty Shelby and the elevation of defensive lineman Christopher Hinton and guard/tackle Austen Pleasants.
Looking back at the Chiefs’ season, it’s noted that their performance fell short of expectations after starting 6-1 but finishing with a 10-6 record. The blame is attributed to both the front office and Patrick Mahomes, the elite quarterback. The article highlights the challenges faced by the team, including salary cap restrictions, reliance on value picks, and issues within the wide receiver room, affecting Mahomes’ statistical performance.
Mahomes, despite being recognized as the most talented quarterback, is criticized for his decision-making, resulting in a significant number of interceptions during the season. The article cites instances where Mahomes attempted risky throws that did not work out, contributing to the team’s struggles and his own diminished standing among NFL quarterbacks for the 2024 season.
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