Travis Kelce has been Kansas City’s most reliable weapon for years, and after sitting out last week’s preseason game in Seattle, his return to the field carries extra weight. Friday night’s finale against the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium represents the final chance for fans to see the All-Pro tight end before the regular season stakes rise dramatically.
Will Travis Kelce Start the Preseason Finale Against Chicago?
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed that after resting Kelce, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and defensive tackle Chris Jones last week, the starters will at least begin Friday’s game. “Start. I’m going just play by ear,” Reid said. “They’ll start it off. We’ll just see how it goes from there.”
This means Kelce should see some action early in the game, giving fans a chance to watch the star tight end before the regular season begins. His presence will be crucial for restoring the offensive rhythm that was noticeably absent during last week’s game in Seattle.
Kelce has been a consistent presence for the Chiefs for over a decade, and his absence last week left a noticeable gap in Kansas City’s offense.
While preseason games are typically used to evaluate backups and rookies, seeing Kelce back on the field will help Mahomes and the offensive line regain timing and chemistry with one of the team’s most reliable weapons.
Even with Kelce expected to play, the Chiefs are carefully managing the workload of their key players. The team is taking a measured approach to ensure starters are healthy and ready for the regular season, which kicks off exactly two weeks later.
For Kelce, a limited appearance provides an opportunity to test timing with receivers, run blocking assignments, and get live reps without overextending. This balanced approach allows the coaching staff to evaluate readiness while protecting their most valuable assets.
Other projected starters for the Chiefs’ offense include running back Isiah Pacheco, wide receivers Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Hollywood Brown, alongside Mahomes at quarterback. The Bears’ first-team offense will also take the field, making this a valuable tune-up for both squads before the 2025 NFL season officially begins.
Friday’s preseason finale is the last opportunity for the Chiefs’ starters to get game experience before opening the 2025 season in Sao Paulo, Brazil, against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 5.
MORE: ‘I Cried’ — Travis Kelce Makes Feelings Clear on Emotional Pre-Draft Meeting With AFC Rival
Kelce’s performance in Week 3 will give fans a glimpse of his form heading into the regular season, and it will help the coaching staff evaluate how ready the team is to compete at the highest level.
Even with a cautious approach, Kelce remains a centerpiece of Kansas City’s offense. His ability to create mismatches, make plays in space, and serve as a reliable target for Mahomes ensures that he will be a critical factor once the regular season begins. Friday night’s game offers the final chance to see him in action before the stakes rise.
