It looks like the Kansas City Chiefs will begin their defense of their Super Bowl LVI title without their best offensive weapon.
Travis Kelce will not play on Thursday night against the Detroit Lions after hyperextending his knee in practice on Tuesday. The Chiefs officially listed him as inactive for the game, following multiple reports indicating as such.
His brother Jason Kelce, who plays center for the Philadelphia Eagles, said that the tight end avoided serious injury.
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce greets fans as he arrives prior to training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, on July 28, 2023. (Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)
The team’s CEO, Clark Hunt, even said Kelce was a “game-time decision,” but the 48-hour turnaround from the injury was not enough time. This will be the first time he has missed a game due to injury since his rookie year way back in 2013.
Kansas City elevated tight end Matt Bushman from their practice squad, and Noah Gray will likely slide into the starting role.
Kelce is coming off perhaps his best season in the NFL, which was his 10th in the league.
He ended the season with 110 receptions for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns, all of which were career highs. He parlayed that into his second Super Bowl ring, scoring a touchdown against his brother’s Eagles in the process.
Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts prior to a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Aug. 19, 2023. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
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If he was that close to playing on Thursday, it does seem like he could return sooner rather than later. Kelce now has 10 days to prepare as the Chiefs’ second game of the year will be on Sept. 17 in Jacksonville, Florida, against the Jaguars, whom they beat in the divisional round of the playoffs last year.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a high-ankle sprain in that game that caused him to miss some action in the contest, but he heavily wrapped up the ankle for the remainder of their Super Bowl run.
Detroit is entering the season with high expectations after going 9-8 in 2022 following a 1-6 start.
Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates against the Philadelphia Eagles after Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 12, 2023. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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The game is set to kick off at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City at 8:20 p.m. ET.
