Travis Kelce Hyperextends Knee, Could Miss Lions Game
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who is viewed among the league's best players, reportedly suffered a hyperextended knee Tuesday.
The news comes two days before the Chiefs kick off their season against the Detroit Lions Thursday night, in front of a primetime audience.
"Kelce hyperextended his knee today, so we'll just see how he does going forward," Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters Tuesday.
The tight end will be evaluated by the team's staff before making a decision regarding his status for Thursday.
Kelce has recorded seven consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons with the Chiefs. He has become a top target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and the duo has formed a formidable combination that has tormented opponents.
Last season, he caught 110 passes for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns. It was a career-high mark in receptions for the veteran.
Kelce's injury could leave the Chiefs without two marquee players, as defensive tackle Chris Jones remains away from the team over a contract dispute.
The Lions have dedicated a hefty portion of their gameplan to stopping Kelce. His ability to maneuver through defensive zones, paired with Mahomes' ability to extend plays, is difficult for opposing teams to defend.
As a result, this element is one that Dan Campbell and company are hoping to negate.
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Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn noted that the defense must "out-compete" the Chiefs' offense, given just how well Kelce and Mahomes play together.
"We have to be on the same page no matter what, who we’re playing, so not because it’s this team," Glenn said. "But, Kelce is a really good player. I would say this, it’s the IQ that really stands out on tape with this player, and really understanding where he has to be when it’s zone coverage and when it’s man coverage.
"That’s the one thing that really stands out about him and just the rapport that him and the quarterback have with each other. I mean, it’s pretty special. You don’t see that often, only a few teams have it, but they’ve been doing it for a quite a while. So, the thing that we’ve got to do a good job of is just making sure we’re on point with everything that we’re doing and go out there and out-compete these guys.”
