Travis Kelce could end up with Taylor Swift, and the Chiefs could lose their star player

One of the biggest challenges at this stage of an NFL season is keeping star players healthy. One careless moment can sideline a key piece, and the Kansas City Chiefs are closely monitoring one of their most important players:Travis Kelce, who was limited again in Thursday’s practice.

The situation is raising concern in an offense already dealing with significant absences. Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton remain unavailable, prompting a key question: who steps up as a primary option for Patrick Mahomes if Kelce cannot play?

Kelce was also limited on Wednesday. The injury report shows that Rice (hamstring and knee issues) and offensive lineman Jaylon Moore (concussion) missed both practices, while Mahomes, listed with a knee issue, participated fully in both sessions.

Kelce’s discomfort began during last Sunday’s 22-6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. Linebacker Daiyan Henley tackled the veteran after a screen reception in the first quarter. Medical staff examined and taped his ankle on the sideline, but Kelce returned to the game.

The future Hall of Fame tight end finished with four catches for 53 yards, including a 24-yard connection with Mahomes.

“Kelce tweaked his ankle a little bit there,” head coach Andy Reid said after the game. Reid added that Kelce would likely feel some soreness the next day but praised how the tight end responded during the contest.

Through five games this season, Kelce has 20 receptions for 299 yards and two touchdowns.

Will Travis Kelce play against the Seahawks?

Being limited in practice does not mean a player is ruled out. Kelce does not yet have an official status for Sunday; the Chiefs will announce their final designations after Friday’s session.

According to NBC Sports, signs point to Kelce being available. The veteran does not need a full practice to be ready and is currently projected as a starter. Despite the ankle issue, he ranked second on the team in targets during the win over the Chargers.

An absence in Week 7 would be unexpected, especially with National Tight End Day falling on Sunday — a date dedicated to recognizing the NFL’s top tight ends.

An analysis of league injury reports from 2017 to 2023 shows that roughly 71% of players listed as limited in the final practice of the week end up playing on Sunday. Players with full participation play at an 86% rate, while those who do not practice have only a 29% chance of being available.

Friday’s practice will provide the clearest indication of Kelce’s status.

There is also speculation about a possible Taylor Swift appearance in the stands at Lumen Field. No official confirmation exists, though the singer attended the October 18 victory over the Chargers alongside Este Haim and Caitlin Clark. In that game, Kelce played through the ankle discomfort.

If Kelce is unable to suit up against the Seahawks, the veteran tight end could at least take advantage of the unexpected downtime recovering from his injury while enjoying some time away with Swift before preparing for his return to the field.

Friday’s injury report will be the next major update before the final inactive list is released roughly 90 minutes before kickoff Sunday night.