EDITOR'S NOTE: Travis Kelce has officially been ruled OUT for today's contest.
All eyes are on Travis Kelce today as the Chiefs take on the Chargers in what's essentially a meaningless Week 18 contest.
Kelce needs 16 receiving yards to reach 1,000 for the eighth consecutive season, a historic stretch for the greatest tight end to ever play the game.
Keeping him healthy for the playoffs should be the Chiefs' priority, though all indications are that Andy Reid will give Kelce an opportunity to pick up the 16 yards he needs. Kelce likely won't have much time, so he'll need to get involved early.
Is Travis Kelce Playing in the Chiefs Game Today?
Chiefs’ TE Travis Kelce needs 16 receiving yards today vs. the Chargers to record his eight straight season of at least 1,000 receiving yards. Chiefs are expected to give Kelce a chance to get it today even though their playoff seed and spot is locked in.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2024
No other tight end ever… pic.twitter.com/JRngQNp46G
Kelce has not appeared on the injury report so far this week, suggesting he'll get at least a couple of drives to get the yards he needs.
Patrick Mahomes, Rashee Rice, L'Jarius Sneed, Donovan Smith and Kadarius Toney have all been ruled out for the contest. We'll see who appears on the final injury report an hour before kickoff, but it looks like both Kelce and Chris Jones will be on the field this afternoon.
On the season, Kelce has 93 catches for 984 yards and five TDs, though he hasn't eclipsed 100 yards since October 22nd. The Chiefs need to get him going for a deep playoff run, though keeping Kelce healthy is of the utmost importance.
One thing to keep in mind if Travis Kelce plays: he won't just be playing to keep his streak of 1000-yard seasons intact. His NFL-record streak of 3+ receptions (at 94 and counting) will also be on the line. Frankly, I think the second record is more impressive. Keep them both!
— Rany Jazayerli (@jazayerli) January 7, 2024
He's obviously got a lot to play for today despite the fact that the Chiefs are locked into the No. 3 seed in the AFC.
I anticipate Blaine Gabbert will throw a few quick passes to Kelce to let him notch 1,000 yards and three catches, then Kelce will likely sit the rest of the day.
Fingers crossed Kelce can keep history going while avoiding any injuries.
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