Chiefs QB Gardner Minshew Scores Twice Preseason Arizona

Gardner Minshew, the Kansas City Chiefs' new backup quarterback, is embracing his role behind Patrick Mahomes and appreciates the coaching staff's clear communication and offensive system. Having started nine games last season for the Las Vegas Raiders, Minshew has quickly adapted to the Chiefs' playbook, praising the team's long-standing offensive strategies and their ability to adjust plays on the fly. In the 2025 preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, Minshew demonstrated his readiness by scoring a rushing touchdown, contributing to a two-score lead after Mahomes exited the game early. Meanwhile, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, a former New England Patriots second-round pick, has been impressing during training camp and preseason, helping the Chiefs focus on revitalizing their deep passing game with his speed and special teams skills. Thornton, who signed with the Chiefs in the 2025 offseason, maintains close ties with teammates JuJu Smith-Schuster and Bailey Zappe, both former Patriots, which has contributed to his smooth integration into the team. Overall, the Chiefs appear well-prepared with both Mahomes and Minshew at quarterback and emerging talent like Thornton enhancing their offensive depth.