
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is inactive for the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Detroit Lions on Thursday at Arrowhead Stadium. Here’s what you need to know:
- The Chiefs considered Kelce day to day earlier this week as he dealt with knee inflammation, a team source told The Athletic.
- Jason Kelce, Travis’ older brother and a Philadelphia Eagles center, told 94WIP’s “Morning Show” on Wednesday that Travis has a bone bruise and swelling in his knee.
- Kelce was the team’s leading receiver last season, catching 110 passes for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns. He added 257 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the postseason.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
How will Kansas City adjust without Kelce?
With Kelce out, the Chiefs will use seven receivers against the Lions. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes will likely be asked to spread the ball around throughout tonight’s game, a scenario in which 10 skill-position players could record a reception. Noah Gray, a three-year player, is the best receiving tight end option. Tight end Blake Bell, a nine-year veteran, will be asked to block for Mahomes and running back Isiah Pacheco. Matt Bushman, a second-year tight end, was elevated from the practice squad and is expected to contribute on special teams. — Taylor
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What to expect from the Chiefs’ offense
The Chiefs should have a more balanced offensive attack. Coach Andy Reid will try to be creative to get the ball out of Mahomes’ hands quickly with screen passes, jet sweeps and end-arounds. Second-year receiver Skyy Moore could be a pivotal player in the middle of the field. If Pacheco can be effective early, Reid could use play-action passes to get Mahomes a few opportunities to throw the ball deep. Mahomes’ top targets for long completions should be receivers Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Richie James. — Taylor
Backstory
The Chiefs drafted Kelce with a third-round pick in 2013. He’s played all nine seasons since in Kansas City, amassing 10,344 receiving yards, 69 receiving touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns.
The last time the Chiefs played without Kelce was Dec. 26, 2021, when the tight end was part of the team’s first COVID-19 outbreak.
Kelce won two Super Bowl rings with the Chiefs, one last season — a narrow 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles — and one in 2020, a 31-20 takedown of the San Francisco 49ers.
Required reading
(Photo: David Eulitt / Getty Images)
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