Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun resurfaced on September 24, participating in a workout with the Chicago Bears, according to KPRC 2 NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
If Oladokun signs with Chicago, it would likely be as a practice squad addition, providing depth behind 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. There’s also a connection to the Chiefs, as Bears general manager Ryan Poles previously worked in Kansas City’s front office.
The Bears already have second-year quarterback Tyson Bagent, but with Williams struggling early in the season, Poles understands the importance of having multiple quarterback options. If offered a contract, Oladokun would likely compete with “Hard Knocks” star Austin Reed for the third-string quarterback spot on the practice squad.
Oladokun recently tried out with the Cleveland Browns on September 10 but did not secure a contract with the AFC team. Despite being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, Oladokun spent the majority of his NFL career with the Chiefs.
After failing to make the Steelers’ 53-man roster as a seventh-round pick, the Chiefs signed Oladokun to their practice squad. He’s been developing with Kansas City since then, appearing in six preseason games over the past two years.
In those appearances, the dual-threat quarterback threw for 431 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. He also rushed for 56 yards.
Oladokun showed potential at times but struggled with consistency, finishing his preseason career with a 64.4% completion rate and a 76.3 passer rating.
Chiefs Decided to Move on from Chris Oladokun in 2024
Kansas City appeared to be grooming Oladokun for a long-term backup role behind Patrick Mahomes but ultimately decided to end that plan after the 2024 preseason. They chose to sign former New England Patriots draft pick Bailey Zappe to the practice squad instead of the 27-year-old.
Oladokun started the summer strong, but things unraveled during his final preseason game against the Bears—ironically enough.
In the preseason finale, Oladokun completed 9-of-16 passes for 66 yards and no touchdowns. He also threw two costly interceptions, finishing with a passer rating of 26.6.
Although he initially beat out Ian Book for the QB3 role, this poor performance led the Chiefs to reassess Oladokun’s place on the team, and they ultimately went in a different direction.
Chargers Could Be Shorthanded for Week 4 Against Chiefs
Ahead of their Week 4 matchup with Kansas City, the Los Angeles Chargers face some adversity. Jim Harbaugh’s team started the season 2-0 but lost to the Steelers last week and suffered significant injuries during the game.
Quarterback Justin Herbert, left tackle Rashawn Slater, and first-round right tackle Joe Alt are all listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the Chiefs.
“Rookie OT Joe Alt suffered an MCL sprain in Sunday’s loss and is expected to miss time,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on September 23. “Justin Herbert is also dealing with an aggravated ankle injury, while OT Rashawn Slater has a strained pec.”
In addition to the injuries, safety Derwin James has been suspended for one game due to a hit on Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in Week 3. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero explained that James was suspended for being a repeat violator of safety rules.
Here’s the hit that got #Chargers S Derwin James suspended for repeat violations of NFL safety rules:
“The video shows you lowered your head and made forcible contact. Your disregard for NFL playing rules won’t be tolerated.” pic.twitter.com/2KUxc25zrm
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 23, 2024
