The Kansas City Chiefs have spent the opening weeks of the 2026 NFL season finding ways to win, but keeping their unbeaten run intact could become more difficult if Travis Kelce is unable to face the Seattle Seahawks.
The veteran tight end suffered a right ankle injury during Kansas City's victory over the Los Angeles Chargers and was limited when the team returned to practice Wednesday.
Jason Kelce gets a brutal rugby welcome in London, then fights back
Kelce rolled his ankle in the first quarter against Los Angeles but continued playing, finishing with four receptions for 53 yards before seeing his workload reduced as the Chiefs strengthened their lead.
The injury has now become an important consideration for head coach Andy Reid, particularly with another key offensive player already struggling to return to full fitness.
Kansas City's initial injury report confirmed that Kelce was a limited participant Wednesday, indicating that his ankle was still affecting his preparation.
However, the designation doesn't automatically mean the 37-year-old will miss Sunday's game, and the Chiefs haven't officially listed him as doubtful.
His availability will depend on how the ankle responds during the remaining practice sessions, with the medical staff assessing whether he can move comfortably enough to play.
Kelce has been an important contributor throughout Kansas City's 5-0 start, catching 20 passes on 27 targets for 299 yards and two touchdowns.
After falling short of 1,000 receiving yards in each of the previous three seasons, the three-time Super Bowl champion has begun his 14th campaign looking capable of another productive year.
His established connection with Patrick Mahomes remains one of the defining features of the Chiefs' passing attack, making his fitness particularly important against Seattle.
Andy Reid offers encouragement
Reid's initial comments after the Chargers game suggested Kansas City wasn't expecting a lengthy absence for its veteran tight end.
The Chiefs coach described the injury as a minor ankle problem, indicating that Kelce would experience some soreness but should recover.
Kelce's participation Wednesday supports that cautious optimism, although his status remains worth monitoring as the game approaches.
Another concern is wide receiver Rashee Rice, who missed practice because of hamstring and knee problems following his injury against the Las Vegas Raiders.
With Rice's availability also uncertain, losing Kelce would leave Mahomes without two established receiving targets against a Seattle defense preparing to challenge Kansas City's undefeated record.
Will Travis Kelce play against Seattle Seahawks?
The Chiefs haven't ruled Kelce out, and there is currently no official indication that he will be unavailable Sunday.
His ability to continue playing after suffering the injury against Los Angeles, combined with Reid's encouraging assessment, provides reason to believe he could recover in time.
However, Kansas City won't issue its final game-status designations until Friday, making the next two practices particularly important.
Mahomes was also included on Wednesday's injury report with a knee issue but participated fully, offering some reassurance about the health of the Chiefs' quarterback.
Kelce's potential absence would nevertheless represent a significant challenge for an offense already adapting to injuries elsewhere on the roster.
Kansas City has managed those difficulties successfully through five games, but Sunday's meeting with Seattle will demand another strong performance.
The immediate priority is ensuring Kelce's ankle improves sufficiently for him to contribute without jeopardizing his availability later in the season.