Travis Kelce injury status (Image via Getty Images)
New York allows 194 passing yards per game, fifth fewest in the league. The box score hides some of it. Against Denver he needed seven targets to get five catches, and he was limited in practice that week. A sprain rarely keeps a tight end off the field. That is a hard test for an offense still short on receiving help. Rashee Rice and Nikko Remigio were limited Wednesday too. The matchup is not all bad. One fantasy outlook calls the Jets a soft draw for tight ends. Sports Illustrated frames Kansas City as a double-digit home favorite, which raises another possibility. If the game gets lopsided early, the staff may rest Kelce in the fourth quarter.
Heavy called Kelce far and away Mahomes’ most reliable weapon this season, and noted the Chiefs need another wideout before the trade deadline.
Travis Kelce is set to play against the New York Jets on Sunday, but the right ankle he hurt in Week 6 is still part of the story. Kansas City hosts the 1 p.m. ET game at Arrowhead after two straight losses, the latest a 28-24 defeat to Denver. Kelce leads Kansas City with 29 receptions, 410 yards and two touchdowns, and his yardage is fifth most in the NFL. Not bad for a 37-year-old with a tender ankle.
A Kansas City Star reporter said he looked deeply frustrated on the bench. He was limited in practice Wednesday, then back to full work Thursday, and he is not on the final injury report. Kelce played through that one looking slightly hobbled, and the offense leans on him heavily. Few Chiefs pass catchers have been steadier this season. The injury came on the opening drive against the Chargers. Kelce caught a screen pass, took a hit, and his right ankle rolled. He got it taped on the sideline, missed the last two plays of that series and returned for the second drive. He has not missed a game since.