Travis Kelce has shouldered much of the load for the Kansas City Chiefs‘ receiving corps this season amid struggles from other members of what’s largely been a lackluster unit. Kansas City will take the field without Kelce against the Los Angeles Chargers — a tough blow for the offense despite it being an inconsequential contest.
Why Is Travis Kelce Out Against the Chargers?
Kelce was expected to play in the Chiefs’ game against the Raiders for much of the week leading up to it, but he was ultimately a late scratch for Kansas City a few hours before kickoff. The franchise announced the decision at 2:29 p.m. EST on Sunday, just under two hours before the scheduled kick time of 4:25.
Kansas City described the move as a “coach’s decision” in a post to the team’s account on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Resting Kelce for the game makes sense for the Chiefs as they enter the contest with their playoff spot and No. 3 seed in the AFC all but secured after locking up the AFC West title last week. The franchise is also resting star quarterback Patrick Mahomes for the contest alongside wide receivers Rashee Rice and Kadarius Toney, among others.
Kelce’s last-minute scratch will leave him just short of reaching a key career milestone.
The veteran tight end came into the season with seven straight years of racking up 1,000 or more receiving yards. He will finish the 2023 regular season just 16 yards short of the mark at 93 catches for 984 yards and five scores on the year, having played in 15 of the team’s 17 regular-season contests.
With Mahomes and Kelce sidelined, the Chiefs’ offense will look elsewhere for production as they still attempt to compete against a Chargers squad with little to no motivation for the regular season finale as well.
Blaine Gabbert is poised to get the start at quarterback for Kansas City. The longtime NFL quarterback has appeared in just one game this season, completing 3 of 5 pass attempts for 31 yards and two interceptions. Tight ends Noah Gray and Blake Bell are likely targets in place of Kelce, while other options will certainly emerge.
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Ultimately, though, the game is of no consequence for the Chiefs, and they acted accordingly in getting some of their most important players much-needed rest before their first-round playoff game next week.
Time will tell who Kansas City ultimately matches up with, but the franchise is assured of at least a shot to defend last year’s Super Bowl triumph if it can again run the gauntlet.
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