Just hours away from the Kansas City Chiefs’Week 18 matchup against the Chargers, fans got some surprising news – star tight end Travis Kelce will be absent from the field.
The decision, attributed to the coaching staff, aims to prioritize Kelce’s well-being and avoid potential injuries ahead of the looming Wild Card game next week. Travis Kelce joins Patrick Mahomes on the Chiefs bench. Despite initial speculation that Kelce might play to complete his impressive streak of eight consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, the Chiefs have officially ruled him out for Sunday’s regular-season finale.
The tight end, limited in practices throughout the week, entered the game without an injury designation. The team, however, chose caution over records, opting to rest key players in preparation for the postseason. With the Chiefs securing the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs, the decision to rest Kelce aligns with a broader strategy to preserve key starters, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The team’s focus is now squarely on the Wild Card game, and the coaching staff aims to enter the postseason with a fully rested and healthy roster. In Kelce’s absence, the spotlight shifts to backup tight ends Noah Gray and Blake Bell. Travis Kelce’s 2023 will wrap up with 93 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns over 15 games. This marks the end of his remarkable streak of seven consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards.
