Travis Kelce injury News, Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ standout tight end, did not play in Thursday’s NFL opener against the Detroit Lions after hyperextending his knee during practice on Tuesday. The Chiefs’ star offensive weapon was officially designated as an inactive participant in the game.
Travis Kelce injury update: Chiefs star tight end won’t play in NFL opener
Kelce appeared to have escaped the worst-case scenario when he was diagnosed with a “bone bruise” after hyperextending his knee during practice on Tuesday. His availability for the Chiefs’ home opener against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night remained uncertain. Kelce was officially labeled as questionable in the team’s most recent injury report.
Earlier in the day on Thursday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Chiefs were having Kelce go through an early game-day exercise to test the knee. Once done, the tight end and his teammates would decide if he would participate in the evening game.
What is the Chiefs’ backup tight end’s name?
The Chiefs’ website lists Noah Gray as the team’s immediate backup to Travis Kelce. Blake Bell, a journeyman, is listed behind Gray on the depth chart. Matt Bushman, another tight end, was promoted from the practice squad on Thursday afternoon.
Gray is in his third NFL season after being picked in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Duke University. In his pro career, he has 35 receptions and two touchdowns.
Bell will begin his third season with the Chiefs on Thursday night, following appearances in San Francisco, Minnesota, Jacksonville, and Dallas. As he begins his eighth season as a pro, he has 59 receptions and one touchdown.
Has Travis Kelce ever missed a game?
Kelce is recognized for his toughness, despite the fact that he began his career with knee problems that necessitated a microfracture treatment. He has missed all three games since then. He last missed a game in 2021, when he was on the COVID-19 list.
