Travis Kelce injury update: How long is Kansas City TE out?

The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are facing uncertainty as they prepare to kick off the 2023 regular season against the Detroit Lions. Star tight end Travis Kelce’s injury status is the topic of concern after he hyperextended his knee during a recent practice session.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed the injury, listing Kelce as questionable for Week 1 after he did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. However, there is some optimism regarding the extent of the injury. CBS Sports NFL Lead Insider Jonathan Jones reported that the Chiefs believe Kelce’s ACL is intact, suggesting that this may not be a long-term setback.

Adding to the positive outlook, Kelce’s brother, Jason Kelce, who is an Eagles All-Pro center and co-hosts a podcast with Travis, provided insights into the injury. Jason indicated that Travis might have a chance to play in the upcoming game against the Lions, characterizing the injury as a bone bruise. He mentioned that the ligaments and the structural integrity of Travis’s knee appear to be sound.

NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport also described the injury as a bone bruise, further fueling hopes for a swift return.

Travis Kelce is widely regarded as the best tight end in the NFL, coming off a remarkable season in which he recorded 110 receptions for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns. His outstanding performance played a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, where he made history as the first tight end to lead a Super Bowl victor in receiving yards twice.

Kelce’s injury history is relatively unblemished, with his last significant injury occurring during his rookie season in 2013. If he were to miss the season opener, it would provide an opportunity for the Chiefs’ unproven wide receiving corps to step up.

Players like Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Rashee Rice, Richie James, Justyn Ross, and Justin Watson are all vying for a more prominent role in the offense. Additionally, Noah Gray and Blake Bell are listed as Kelce’s backups at tight end.

While Kelce’s status for Week 1 remains uncertain, his importance to the Chiefs’ offense cannot be overstated. He leads all tight ends in receiving yards per game since 2019 and has the potential to achieve a remarkable milestone of eight consecutive seasons with 1,000 receiving yards.