Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has not missed a game due to injury since 2013, but that remarkable streak is now in jeopardy.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters Tuesday the tight end hyper-extended his knee in practice and his status is “uncertain” for Thursday’s season opener against the Detroit Lions.
Kelce, who turns 34 in October, had his best season statistically in 2022, with 110 catches for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns. It’s surprising that a player in such a physical position, who takes such a pounding in the passing game as well, hasn’t turned up in injury reports more often.
Travis Kelce has not missed a game due to injury since 2013. This would be a big deal! https://t.co/AKigIo5Zs4
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) September 5, 2023
It’s a particularly bad time for Kelce to be hurt, too, as starting wide receiver Kadarius Toney has been dealing with a knee injury. If Kelce is sidelined, look for wide receivers Skyy Moore and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to see a ton of action. Third-year tight end Noah Gray is the backup.
The Chiefs-Lions game is expected to be the highest scoring game in Week 1 with an over/under of 54 points.
NFL fans quickly reacted to the Kelce report.
Potentially serious injury right before week 1. The main concern is damage to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Lamar Jackson and Dalton Schultz both missed time last season with PCL injuries.
Other injury concerns:
-Meniscus injury
-Bone bruise
-ACL injury pic.twitter.com/56sYMABWEx— The Fantasy Doctors (@TheFantasyDRS) September 5, 2023
https://twitter.com/IntegratEcology/status/1699127936329347428
If Travis Kelce is out Thursday, the Chiefs’ top pass catchers will likely be some order of: Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Noah Gray and Jerick McKinnon.
Given the lack of top tier pass catchers, Patrick Mahomes would project for only 337 yards and 3 TD.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 5, 2023
Might be getting a look at life after Kelce sooner than we wanted.
— Payton Lee Nevins (@nevins_payton) September 5, 2023
I’m sorry chiefs fans. This always happens to me with my first round fantasy pick. I’m cursed.
— Ligma (@TurdAndGoalD) September 5, 2023
