Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images

Chargers Player Bracing for Punishment for Actions Against Travis Kelce

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 10:44 PM ET

Travis Kelce began his 13th season on Friday night as the Kansas City Chiefs took on Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL's second-ever game in Brazil. The Chargers got out to a fast start, taking a 10-0 lead in the first half. And the Chiefs also lost wide receiver Xavier Worthy for most of the game due to a shoulder injury.

And during the game, Kelce got into it with a Los Angeles defensive lineman. With just over eight minutes left in the third quarter, Kelce was blocking during a running play. After the whistle blew, Kelce and Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart kept going at it before Kelce shoved him away.

In retaliation, Tart landed a shot to Kelce’s face, sending the tight end stumbling backward. Kelce quickly turned to the officials looking for a flag, but none was thrown.

According to former NFL official Walt Anderson, Tart was not ejected "because it was an open hand contact to the head, that was not disqualifying action."

Still, while Tart didn't receive immediate punishment for his actions toward Kelce, the former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle can likely expect a fine coming his way.

Similarly, during last season's NFC Championship Game, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter slapped Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz with "open hand contact." No flag was thrown and no ejection was handed out, yet this led to the NFL fining the Eagles star $17,445.

Tart smacks Kelce in the helmet pic.twitter.com/Qka81u9LZj
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) September 6, 2025

Tart has been a solid role player during his seven seasons in the NFL. Through 64 games played prior to Friday night, he had totaled 108 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 26 stuffs.

Following the Week 1 game in Brazil, Kelce and the Chiefs will get a Super Bowl rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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