The Kansas City Chiefs had a big scare on Tuesday when their star tight end Travis Kelce appeared to have suffered a potentially serious knee injury. Fortunately, the injury appears to be a minor one but has put Kelce’s status for the 2023 season opener against the Detroit Lions in doubt.
Kelce got hurt during practice and limped off the field, although he didn’t need any help. The Chiefs immediately sent Kelce to get his knee tested, and the result showed there was no ACL damage.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid said that Kelce is dealing with a “hyperextended knee.” The 33-year-old will undergo further testing on Wednesday after which his status for the Lions’ game will be determined.
When asked about the Chiefs’ plans for the game if Kelce can’t play, Reid said that he expects the “next guy” to step up.
“The next guy steps in, and we roll,” Reid said. “That’s what you do.”
Kansas City has two more tight ends on its roster besides Kelce in third-year player Noah Gray and journeyman Blake Bell. Gray played all 17 games last season, catching 28 passes for 299 yards and a touchdown. Bell, who is in his third year with the Chiefs, was limited to three games in 2022 due to a hip injury.
