Following Tuesday's tests, the Kansas City Chiefs are optimistic about the condition of star tight end Travis Kelce's ACL, according to a source who spoke to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Kelce is currently dealing with knee inflammation, and the Chiefs plan to reevaluate his status on Wednesday to determine if he can play in the NFL's season opener against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night, as mentioned by the source.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid previously announced that Kelce suffered a hyperextended knee during Tuesday's practice and emphasized the team's readiness to adapt if Kelce is unable to play.
Wide receiver Skyy Moore, who witnessed Kelce's injury during a practice play, noted that Kelce was limping as he left the field but managed to do so unassisted, which was an encouraging sign.
In the event that Kelce cannot participate, the Chiefs anticipate making adjustments to their offensive game plan. Moore acknowledged that the offense might look somewhat different without Kelce, a future Hall of Famer, but expressed confidence in the team's ability to compensate collectively.
The Chiefs have two other tight ends on their active roster: Noah Gray, who recorded 28 receptions and a touchdown last season, and Blake Bell, who dealt with a hip flexor injury for most of the previous year but has accumulated 60 catches and one touchdown in eight NFL seasons with various teams. Both players are prepared to step up if needed.
Additionally, the Chiefs have two tight ends on their practice squad, including Matt Bushman, who received some snaps with the starting group following Kelce's injury, indicating his potential involvement in the upcoming game.
In unrelated news, Coach Reid mentioned that there has been no progress in contract negotiations with defensive tackle Chris Jones, who is holding out for a new deal. Reid emphasized the team's focus on preparing for the Lions and implied that they are concentrating on the players currently available.
Travis Kelce, known for surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in seven consecutive seasons, has not missed a game due to injury since his rookie year in 2013, when he underwent a knee microfracture procedure. He has only missed three games since 2014: two season-ending rests in 2017 and 2020 and a Week 16 absence in 2021 due to COVID-19.
It's worth noting that the point spread for Thursday night's game shifted following news of Kelce's injury, with the Chiefs going from -6.5 to -5 at Caesars Sportsbook.