Chiefs’ Travis Kelsey day in and day out with knee problem, per source: How the team would cope if he’s out on Thursday

A team source said on Tuesday that Travis Kelsey has a sore knee. Here’s what you need to know:

• The source said Kelsey had scans on his knee immediately after training on Tuesday, and those tests revealed inflammation but no tears.
• More tests are expected on Wednesday morning.
• Kansas City plays the Detroit Lions in their season opener on Thursday.

the athleteInstant Analysis:

How will the Chiefs cope without Kelsey?

On the Chiefs’ depth chart, the next tight end behind Kelce is Noah Gray, a three-year-old who has become a reliable secondary receiving option. Last season, in 17 games, Gray produced 28 receptions for 299 yards, including two touchdowns. Another serviceable tight end on the Chiefs’ 53-man preliminary roster is Blake Bell, known for his solid blocking ability.

Perhaps the most viable option would be for the Chiefs to use all seven of their receivers who have earned a spot on the roster, the first since Andy Reid became the team’s head coach in 2013. The Chiefs are optimistic they know the key role of their top three receivers. Kadarius Toni, a dynamic three-year player who missed training camp and the pre-season after recovering from surgery to repair the meniscus and cartilage in his knee, is the Chiefs’ No. 1 expected receiver – a player capable of creating highlights no matter where he is on the field. the field when he touches the ball.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a six-year veteran, will resume his role as the Chiefs’ top deep threat option. Skyy Moore is expected to be tasked with winning certain midfield matches as a slot receiver. — Taylor

How careful should Kansas City handle his injury?

With the injury occurring on Tuesday, the Chiefs will have just 48 hours to determine whether Kelsey, an 11-year-old veteran at the age of 33, is available and effective to assist his teammates. If Kelce is inactive Thursday night, it will be the first time he has missed a game due to injury since becoming a starter in 2014. Such an absence would mean the Chiefs will play the Lions without two of their three best players: tackle Kelce and star defensive tackle Chris Jones. , who clings to a lucrative contract extension.

However, the Chiefs will have to be careful with Kelce because the team will have 10 days to rest his knee before their Week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. — Taylor

Dramatic story

Kelce earned his eighth Pro Bowl honors last season as he made 110 receptions for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The 2013 third round draft pick has 814 receptions for 10,344 yards and 69 touchdowns in his career.

required reading

(Photo: Jay Bigerstaff/USA Today)