Update, Sept. 7 — Kelce is out, per Jordan Schultz.
BREAKING: Travis Kelce is OUT for tonight’s season opener vs the #Lions, per sources.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 7, 2023
I’m told the #Chiefs’ All-Pro TE made a strong push to play after this morning’s workout, but the team did not want to risk anything with a full season of games ahead. pic.twitter.com/41iIZeWuYs
Update, Sept. 7 — Kelce wants to play, but will the team let him?
Corrected: Sources tell me that #Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is pleading with head coach Andy Reid and trainer Rick Burkholder to play him tonight against the Lions despite the hyperextended knee he suffered in the team’s final practice two days ago.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) September 7, 2023
Update, Sept. 7 — The Chiefs have elevated tight end Matt Bushman from the practice squad as Travis Kelce insurance, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This doesn’t mean Kelce is out, but they are preparing for that possibility.
The Kansas City Chiefs could be without their top offensive playmaker tonight, as tight end Travis Kelce is dealing with a bone bruise after hyperextending his knee on Tuesday. Reports have been positive, but he has a quick turnaround with a game on Thursday night against the Lions.
Reports today have been mixed, with most people in the know saying that Kelce can probably play, but with this being Week 1, the team could be cautious and hold him out. But that wont stop Kelce from pushing to go.
From what I’ve been told the outlook for #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce isn’t great for him playing tonight against the Lions but expectations are that he will push to play.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) September 7, 2023
That will leave Andy Reid to decide, knowing Kelce is badly needed but recognizing long season ahead.
Fantasy football implications for Week 1
If Kelce does end up playing, he is likely doing well enough to be his usual self and play a full complement of snaps. That makes him a must start as usual. If he can’t go, Noah Gray will fill in for him and have some value in DFS, but likely isn’t the best fill in for your season-long leagues.