Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end, Travis Kelce, will be absent from the lineup for the NFL season opener against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night due to a hyperextended knee injury. Travis Kelce Travis Kelce Travis Kelce Travis Kelce Travis Kelce Travis Kelce
The Chiefs had initially labeled Kelce as ‘questionable’ on their week’s final injury report, allowing them some time to assess his condition before making a final decision. However, they ultimately announced Kelce as one of the inactive players for the game.
Kelce sustained the knee injury during a practice session on Tuesday. Notably, this marks only the fourth time he has missed a game since his rookie season in 2013. In previous instances, he sat out two games when the Chiefs decided to rest key starters and one in 2021 due to a bout with COVID-19.
To compensate for Kelce’s absence, the Chiefs will turn to their other tight ends on the active roster, Noah Gray and Blake Bell. Gray had a productive season last year, securing 28 passes and one touchdown. Bell, despite missing a significant portion of the previous season due to a hip flexor injury, brings valuable experience with 60 career catches and one touchdown over eight NFL seasons with five different teams. Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs
Additionally, the Chiefs have activated Matt Bushman from their practice squad, making him a potential asset in the game against the Lions.
Kelce, known for his exceptional receiving abilities, has consistently surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in seven consecutive seasons. In his most recent campaign, he achieved career-best numbers with 110 receptions, 1,338 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs