Fans have been speculating about the status of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce for Thursday’s season opener against the Detroit Lions. And they now have their answer.
Kelce has reportedly been pushing to play in the game despite hyper-extending his knee in practice earlier this week. He even went through pre-game workouts to see how his body would react to potentially playing in the game.
His brother, Philadelphia Eagles star offensive lineman Jason Kelce was asked if he thought his brother would play. And he gave a resounding vote of confidence about Travis’s status.
“I think he’s going to be good to go,” said Jason Kelce. “I really do.”
Unfortunately, the Chiefs organization did not agree, as they ultimately decided that Kelce would be inactive for the game against Detroit.
Breaking News: Travis Kelce is OUT tonight vs. the Lions.
It will be the first game the future Hall of Famer has missed due to injury since his rookie year.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) September 7, 2023
Kelce has been as reliable as any player in football since entering the league in 2013. He only played one snap in his rookie season while dealing with a knee injury. But since becoming a starter in 2014, he has not missed a game due to injury.
It sounds like Kelce tried his very best to convince head coach Andy Reid and company to let him play. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Kelce made a “strong push” to play and that the Chiefs did not want to risk the rest of the season by playing him.
BREAKING: Travis Kelce is OUT for tonight’s season opener vs the #Lions, per sources.
I’m told the #Chiefs’ All-Pro TE made a strong push to play after this morning’s workout, but the team did not want to risk anything with a full season of games ahead. pic.twitter.com/41iIZeWuYs
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 7, 2023
It is probably smart of the team to hold him out considering it is only game one. And while fans were obviously upset that he won’t be on the field, they largely agreed with the decision.
Will suck not to have him on opening night but this is a smart move. https://t.co/N1sRP2YvEb
— The Reid Option (@ReidOptionKC) September 7, 2023
A very understandable and wise decision, although I'm sure Travis is not happy with the decision and did his best to convince the powers to let him play regardless of injured knee. GO CHIEFS!!! ❤️💛 https://t.co/xApyQit3lo
— Connie Jo (@cjkc_life09) September 7, 2023
Good move. Best move.
We'll see 87 in 10 days. https://t.co/uZ097r4JL7
— Brian T. Jones, Sr. (@BJonesSports) September 7, 2023
While I hate the fact that he won’t be on the field tonight, this was a smart move by the Chiefs. Rest him up and let him get healthy for Jacksonville. https://t.co/FkovlwUWXU
— SheisLesette (@SheisLesette) September 7, 2023
I’d rather he be full healthy next Sunday, but still sucks… https://t.co/cpx1hnqiEe
— Tayler Peterson (@Tayler_P15) September 7, 2023
His absence will likely drastically affect the Chiefs’ offense on Thursday night, as last season he was among the top pass catchers in all of football, recording a career-high 110 receptions for 1,338 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.