Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce did not play in Thursday’s NFL opener against the Detroit Lions after hyperextending his knee at practice on Tuesday. The Chiefs’ star offensive weapon was officially named among the game’s inactive players.
After hyperextending his knee during practice on Tuesday, Kelce was diagnosed with a “bone bruise,” but it appeared like he had escaped the worst. His availability for Thursday night’s Chiefs home opener against the Detroit Lions, meanwhile, was still uncertain. In the last injury report from the team, Kelce’s status was officially categorized as uncertain.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero had earlier on Thursday said that the Chiefs were testing Kelce’s knee with an early game-day exercise. After it was all over, the tight end and his team would decide if he would play in the nighttime game.
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Who is the backup tight end for the Chiefs?
According to the Chiefs website, Noah Gray is Travis Kelce’s immediate backup. On the depth chart, journeyman Blake Bell is positioned behind Gray. The team also promoted Matt Bushman, another tight end, off their practice squad on Thursday afternoon.
After being selected by the Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Duke University, Gray is starting his third season in the league. In his professional career, he has racked up 35 receptions and two touchdowns.
On Thursday night, Bell, who has previously played for the Chiefs in San Francisco, Minnesota, Jacksonville, and Dallas, will start his third season with the team. As he begins his tenth season as a professional, he has 59 receptions and one score to his credit.
