Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun resurfaced on September 24, attending a workout with the Chicago Bears, according to KPRC 2 NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
If signed by Chicago, Oladokun would likely join the practice squad, providing depth behind 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. There’s also a Kansas City connection, with former Chiefs front office executive Ryan Poles now serving as the Bears’ general manager.
Chicago already has second-year quarterback Tyson Bagent on the roster, but with Williams struggling early, Poles understands the importance of having multiple quarterback options. Should Oladokun receive an offer, he would likely compete with “Hard Knocks” standout Austin Reed for the third quarterback spot on the practice squad.
Oladokun recently tried out for the Cleveland Browns on September 10 but left without a contract offer. Despite being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, the quarterback has spent most of his career with the Chiefs.
After failing to secure a spot on the Steelers’ 53-man roster as a seventh-round pick, Kansas City signed Oladokun to a practice squad deal. Over two years, he appeared in six preseason games, passing for 431 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions. He also rushed for 56 yards.
While Oladokun showed potential, inconsistency has been his downfall. He posted a career preseason completion rate of 64.4% and a passer rating of 76.3.
Chiefs Let Chris Oladokun Go in 2024
The Chiefs appeared to be grooming Oladokun as a long-term backup to Patrick Mahomes, but they opted to release him after the 2024 preseason. Instead, Kansas City signed former New England Patriots draft pick Bailey Zappe to the practice squad.
After a solid start to the summer, Oladokun’s performance unraveled in his final preseason appearance against the Bears. He completed just 9-of-16 passes for 66 yards with no touchdowns and threw two interceptions, finishing the game with a passer rating of 26.6.
Although Oladokun initially beat out Ian Book for the QB3 role, his poor performance in the preseason finale led the Chiefs to reconsider, ultimately deciding to move in another direction.
Chargers Could Be of balance in Week 4 vs. Chiefs
As the Los Angeles Chargers prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the Chiefs, the team faces some adversity. After starting the season 2-0, the Chargers lost to the Steelers and suffered key injuries during the game.
Quarterback Justin Herbert, left tackle Rashawn Slater, and first-round right tackle Joe Alt are all questionable for the game against Kansas City.
“Stellar rookie OT Joe Alt suffered an MCL sprain in Sunday’s loss and is expected to miss some time, sources say,” 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.”
Additionally, veteran safety Derwin James has been suspended for one game after a hit on Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in Week 3. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero noted that James was suspended as a repeat offender.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed on September 24 that Derwin James’ suspension “has been upheld,” meaning the playmaking safety will be unavailable for the game against the Chiefs.
In addition, star pass rusher Joey Bosa is listed as questionable with a hip injury, along with wide receiver Joshua Palmer, who is dealing with an elbow injury.
