The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs begin defending their title against the Detroit Lions, and unfortunately for football fans, All-World TE Travis Kelce isn’t playing. Kelce is one of the most dominant football players, regardless of position, across the football landscape.
Kelce is Patrick Mahomes’ security blanket, so the Chiefs’ offensive game plan will change significantly in his absence. Why isn’t Kelce playing in the opener, and what will the Chiefs look like while he’s out?
Why Is Travis Kelce Not Playing in the Opener?
Kelce hyperextended his knee in practice, resulting in swelling. The Chiefs and football fans alike were worried there may be structural damage.
Fortunately, the results reveal only the hyperextension.
From The Insiders on NFL+: The latest on #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce, who will work out pre-game to see if he can go. pic.twitter.com/VJWAkMN6R4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 7, 2023
The good news is Kelce appears to have dodged a bullet, and the injury shouldn’t be anything to limit him long-term. The bad news is the Chiefs will be without their most sure-fire pass-catching option on offense.
Kelce made his case to play, attempting to get on the field in pregame warmups, but ultimately to no avail. In injury instances like this, sometimes the team and the medical staff have to protect the player from themselves.
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Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder makes the final call on whether Kelce suits up, and the Kansas City trainer proceeded with caution, ruling Kelce out from this contest. The 17-game regular season in the NFL is arduous, and the Chiefs aren’t playing only for Week 1. The Chiefs have lofty goals of defending their title, which they need Kelce to do.
The Chiefs have a long time off to recuperate from the opener, so Kelce is likely back in Week 2.
What Will Kansas City’s Offense Look Like Without Kelce?
In some ways, Andy Reid probably relishes this opportunity. The Chiefs’ mad scientist gets to go under the hood and be creative with his offensive game plan. Let’s not feel too bad for the Chiefs. Kansas City still has the greatest QB on earth, Patrick Mahomes.
The #Chiefs are elevating TE Matt Bushman from the practice squad for tonight's game against the #Lions, source said. Insurance in case Travis Kelce can’t go.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 7, 2023
Expect Reid to dust off his playbook and call more quick hitters, including plenty of designed screens. Expect Reid to get the ball into the hands of Skyy Moore and rookie receiver Rashee Rice. Expect Jerick McKinnon to take on a role in the passing game out of the backfield.
The Chiefs elevated TE Matt Bushman from the practice squad in anticipation of this decision. Bushman won’t likely be called upon on this one, but Noah Gray is in line for additional targets.
Being without Kelce changes things for Kansas City, but don’t count the Chiefs out. Kansas City always has a few tricks up their sleeves.
