The Kansas City Chiefs are set to start the defense of their Super Bowl title on Thursday Night Football against the Detroit Lions. Kansas City is hosting the upstart Lions in the season opener, but their chances of winning have received a major blow.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, star tight end Travis Kelce was injured during practice on Tuesday, making his status for the game in two nights uncertain. According to head coach Andy Reid, Kelce suffered a hyper-extended knee.
This would be a massive blow to the Chiefs’ offense to be without Kelce. He is the go-to target for Patrick Mahomes, functioning as their No. 1 receiver in the offense from the tight end spot. Being without him would impact the team in numerous ways.
Not only is he a difference-maker as a receiver, Kelce is excellent as a blocker in the run game. Without him, their entire game plan and most of their schemes would have to be adjusted. Reid is one of the brightest offensive minds in the game, but replacing a player of Kelce’s caliber on such short notice is virtually impossible.
Should Kelce have to miss the game, Noah Gray would likely step into the lineup as the starting tight end. Blake Bell is the only other healthy tight end that the Chiefs have on the roster, which could lead to some shuffling ahead of the game.
With wide receiver Kadarius Toney also questionable for the game, the Chiefs passing attack could see some major adjustments. Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Skyy Moore and Justin Watson are in line for a bulk of the targets. Rookie Rashee Rice, Richie James and Justyn Ross could also factor into the mix.
If Kelce is unable to go, that could leave the Chiefs without one of their stars on both sides of the ball. Defensive tackle Chris Jones remains away from the team, holding out and awaiting a contract extension.
