Chiefs update Travis Kelce's status ahead of NFL season opener vs Lions

The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs open the NFL season Thursday night. And they may not have Travis Kelce to lean on against the Lions.

Kelce, the spectacular tight end, hyperextended his knee during Tuesday’s light practice. The Chiefs medical staff planned to test Kelce’s knee again, Wednesday, to determine his status for the Thursday opener at Arrowhead Stadium.

And the Chiefs are listing Kelce as questionable for the Lions. Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported Kelce’s status and also noted that receiver Kadarius Toney and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed dropped off the injury list.

#Chiefs star TE Travis Kelce (knee) is officially questionable for Thursday night's opener against the #Lions.

WR Kadarius Toney (knee) and CB L'Jarius Sneed (knee) are off the injury report and good to go.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 6, 2023

News broke early Wednesday morning that suggested Kelce’s injury was a bone bruise with no ligament or structural damage.

Jason Kelce, Travis’ older brother, told Philadelphia station WIP that the two spoke Tuesday night. The elder Kelce starts at center for the Eagles.

“I know he’s got some swelling going on. But it sounds like as long as they can get that down, he’s going to have a chance to go. The ligaments and everything are intact. Structurally, from what we know right now, his knee’s fine. So really it’s about getting that swelling down and seeing how bruised that bone is,” Jason Kelce said. “Because if you guys have ever had those, it can be pretty painful, especially if it’s in a spot that’s rubbing all the time, then that can kind of shut down your muscles and do other things.”

Besides being one of the most talented tight ends ever to play in the league, Travis Kelce also is one of the most durable. He hasn’t missed a game because of injury since 2013. That was his rookie season.

And Kelce is Patrick Mahomes‘ most valuable receiver. The two have combined for dozens of terrific plays. Kelce is riding a streak of seven straight seasons of at least 1,000 yards in receiving. Plus, he’s nails in the playoffs. He caught 27 passes in three post-season games last season, scoring four touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the potential absence of Travis Kelce isn’t the lone concern for the Chiefs. Chris Jones, the defense’s best player, still hasn’t ended his holdout. It’s stretched on for months.