Superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks like he is good to go for the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but there is now suddenly some concern over one of his top pass-catching targets.
Tight end Travis Kelce has been a last-minute addition to the Chiefs’ injury report for Sunday’s game, officially being listed as questionable with a back injury.
That could be major news for the Chiefs offense as Kelce is not only a matchup problem for every opposing defense, but he is Mahomes’ go-to player and most trusted target.
Even though Mahomes is ready to play, his mobility might be severely limited due to a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in last week’s divisional-round playoff win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. That could make Kelce an even bigger factor in the middle of the field if the Chiefs need to develop more of a quick passing game.
Kelce caught 14 passes on (on 17 targets) for 98 yards and two touchdowns in the Chiefs’ win over Jacksonville a week ago.
He is the best tight end in football and had another massive season for the Chiefs. He caught 110 passes for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns during the regular season.
He takes on even more importance given that the Chiefs’ wide receiver room was completely retooled this offseason with the trade of Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins.
Given the stakes for Sunday’s game, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, it would probably take a lot to keep him out of the lineup. Even if he is limited, it is probably fair to expect him out there. However, he might not be at 100 percent. Combined with Mahomes’ injury concern, that could be a game-changing development.
