Chiefs get surprising Travis Kelce injury update courtesy of Eagles star

The younger Kelce brother left practice early on Tuesday due to a hyperextended knee. It was reported afterward that while the injury isn't believed to be a long-term issue, No. 87's status for Thursday's contest was "in doubt."

The Chiefs are already expected to be without arguably their best defensive player in All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones for Week 1 (and possibly longer) because of his ongoing contract dispute with the team. Losing quarterback Patrick Mahomes' best offensive weapon in Kelce would make the start to their Super Bowl defense that much more difficult against an upstart Lions squad that has high expectations after last year's surprising near-playoff berth.

In his first season since star wide receiver Tyreek Hill was traded from Kansas City to the Miami Dolphins, Kelce hauled in a career-high 110 receptions for 1,338 yards and a career-best 12 touchdowns during the 2022 campaign. He added 27 catches for 257 receiving yards and four scores on 31 targets in the playoffs, including six receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown in the team's Super Bowl LVII victory over the Eagles.

Blake Bell and Noah Gray are the only other two active tight ends on the Chiefs depth chart.