This story has been updated from a previous version.
Yet another Chiefs offensive player is questionable to play in Sunday's AFC championship game vs. the Bengals.
The latest player to suffer an injury is All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce, who reportedly suffered back spasms in practice on Friday, despite being a full participant. He appeared on Kansas City's injury report for the day, in which he was listed as "questionable" to play vs. Cincinnati.
Kelce's absence or inability to play at full speed would compound another injury scare on the Chiefs: that of Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a high ankle sprain in the divisional-round victory over the Jaguars. Kelce is one of his favorite targets, and can alleviate any injury-related issues from the quarterback, who was not on Friday's injury list.
Whether that pairing can be nearly as efficient on Sunday following Kelce's back injury remains to be seen. Reports indicate he will attempt to play vs. Cincinnati on Sunday as the team looks to make its third Super Bowl berth in four seasons. The Bengals beat the Chiefs in this game last year to earn the trip to Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium for Super Bowl 56.
MORE: Did Travis Kelce grow up a Bengals fan? Breaking down Cincinnati ties for Chiefs TE, former Bearcats standout
Here's the latest news and injury updates regarding Kelce's back injury:
Is Travis Kelce playing vs. Bengals?
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter reported early Sunday that Kelce is expected to play vs. the Bengals:
Chiefs’ TE Travis Kelce, who is listed as questionable for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game after experiencing back spasms during practice last week, is expected to play vs. the Bengals, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 29, 2023
Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported in pregame on Sunday the Chiefs still don't know whether Kelce will be able to play, and that they've designated him as a game-time decision. He added the team needs to see him run before kickoff to know whether he can play.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 29, 2023Fox's Jay Glazer says the Chiefs "still don't know if [Travis Kelce] can go" vs the Bengals.
"(The Chiefs say) 'Before we make a decision, we really need to see him running.'" pic.twitter.com/0KWXo6HFOK
CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson reported at Arrowhead Stadium that Kelce remains in the locker room as the teams go through their pregame warmups:
Mahomes going through his normal pregame routine of coming out early and sitting on the bench. Kelce still in locker room. Got treatment this morning at the hotel. Expectations are that he will play. #chiefs
— Tracy Wolfson (@tracywolfson) January 29, 2023
MORE: Travis Kelce touchdown celebration: Chiefs TE's 'Down the Drive' dance has Cincinnati roots
Schefter later reported that Kelce will play, with Wolfson adding he was heading out to warm up:
Chiefs’ TE Travis Kelce will be active for today’s AFC Championship Game.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 29, 2023
Kelce heading out to warm up now
— Tracy Wolfson (@tracywolfson) January 29, 2023
The four-time All-Pro tight end did not have a great game vs. the Bengals in a Week 13 27-24 loss, catching only four passes for 56 yards, including a long of 19. His previous game vs. Cincinnati — last game's AFC title game loss — saw him catch 10 passes for 95 yards and a score.
Both losses were by three points, as was the 2022 regular-season meeting before that. If the Chiefs want to clear the hurdle vs. Cincinnati, Kelce will need to play a big part.
Travis Kelce injury update
The Chiefs have given no further updates on Kelce's status following the Friday injury report, so his official status heading into Sunday's game (for now) is "questionable."
Who is the Chiefs' backup tight end?
| Position on depth chart | Player (status) |
|---|---|
| 1. | Travis Kelce (questionable) |
| 2. | Noah Gray (N/A) |
| 3. | Jody Fortson (activated off IR) |
| 4. | Blake Bell (N/A) |
Kelce is the Chiefs' starter, but his primary backup — third-year Noah Gray — has also played all 17 games this season, catching 28 passes for 299 yards and a score.
MORE: Who has the most catches in an NFL playoff game? Chiefs' Travis Kelce falls one short of mark in impressive performance
Moreover, Kansas City activated Jody Fortson off Injured Reserve for the AFC championship, providing further depth to the position. He hadn't played vs. Dec. 18 vs. the Texans but has nine catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns. The final player listed on the Chiefs' depth chart is Blake Bell, who has only seen action in three games this season.
