Travis Kelce Might Pull a Superman vs. Lions Tonight

Jul 24, 2023; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) answers questions from reporters during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 24, 2023; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) answers questions from reporters during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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We’ve known Travis Kelce was a superhuman for a while, but he may be pushing the limits as he fights to play in Kansas City’s Week 1 matchup against the Detroit Lions tonight.

Kelce suffered a hyperextended knee on Tuesday, an injury that could impact him up to four to six weeks, but he’s still fighting to play. He hasn’t missed a game from injury since his rookie season, though this would require a Superman-type of effort to get on the field.

Travis Kelce Fighting to Play

The Chiefs were favored by six points at the beginning of the week but now sit as 4.5-point favorites at most sportsbooks. Kelce is one of the most impactful players in the entire NFL, so his absence would cause a huge domino effect in the game.

Patrick Mahomes has played only two games in his career without Kelce. The first was his first career start, in Week 17 of 2017, and the second came in 2021 when Kelce was in COVID protocol. Kansas City won both starts, but it’s a lot easier to win with Kelce than without him.

Players like Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and even the rookie Rashee Rice will need to step up. Even if Kelce does play, he’ll likely be limited so the Chiefs can protect him. I looked at some players to target with prop bets yesterday and still like Kansas City to win even if the superstar tight end can’t suit up.

We’ve come to expect otherworldly performances from Kelce. Now, all of Chiefs Kingdom waits to see if he has one more rabbit in his hat to get on the field on Thursday Night Football.

The Chiefs elevated Matt Bushman from the practice squad, an indication the odds are low that Kelce plays.

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