Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

NFL Has Decision to Make on Travis Kelce Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Nov 2, 2025 6:41 PM ET

Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs looked to secure a fourth-straight win in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season, traveling to New York to face Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in a rematch of last season's AFC Championship. The Chiefs were notably without two key offensive weapons in Sunday's matchup, including running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) and left tackle Josh Simmons (personal).

With nine seconds remaining in the first half and the Chiefs facing 3rd-and-goal, Patrick Mahomes attempted to hit Travis Kelce in the end zone for what would have been the tight end’s first touchdown of the day, but the pass fell incomplete. As Kelce leaped for the ball, Bills safety Cole Bishop came flying in and delivered a hard shot to his chest, sending him crashing to the turf.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce reacts after an interception by the Washington CommandersDenny Medley-Imagn Images

The Chiefs settled for a field goal on the drive, cutting into Buffalo’s lead. While no flag was thrown on the incompletion to Kelce, Bishop’s hit could have been considered a blow to a defenseless player, as Kelce absorbed the contact while still in the air, forcing him to leave the field early, returning in the second half.

Still, the NFL now faces a decision regarding Bishop’s hit on Kelce. Typically, the league fines players up to $17,389 for a first violation involving a hit on a defenseless player, with the amount increasing to $23,186 for a second offense in the same season.

In Week 8, Washington Commanders safety Quan Martin was fined $11,572 for a hit on a defenseless player against the Chiefs, while linebacker Frankie Luvu was charged $46,372 for a hip-drop tackle.

Travis Kelce's gonna have one hell of a time sneezing this week pic.twitter.com/hdgaRu1YNZ
— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) November 2, 2025

Following the matchup with the Bills, Kelce and the Chiefs will enjoy two weeks off before their next game in Week 10, facing Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos on the road in an AFC West battle.

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

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