NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport stated that Kelce will miss tonight's 2023 NFL Kickoff Game against the Detroit Lions due to a knee injury he sustained earlier in the week. This development was further confirmed when he was listed among Kansas City's inactives.
Initially, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid described Kelce's injury as a hyperextended knee during Tuesday's practice. Subsequent updates from Rapoport and NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero have classified it as a bone bruise, a condition that is not expected to have long-term implications.
Nonetheless, this marks a significant moment for Kelce, as the 33-year-old tight end will be missing his first game due to injury since his rookie season in 2013.
In Kelce's absence, the spotlight now shifts to tight end Noah Gray, who is likely to start for the Chiefs. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes may also have to redistribute targets to fill the void left by Kelce, with wide receivers Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Kadarius Toney receiving more attention.
Kansas City boasts an impressive track record in season openers, with eight consecutive victories. They've won eight games in a row overall, including playoffs, and have been unbeaten against NFC opponents in the regular season since 2019, tallying 16 consecutive wins.
However, these remarkable streaks will be put to the test tonight as they face an up-and-coming Detroit Lions team. The Lions won't have to strategize for defending against the NFL's most prolific tight end, offering a unique challenge for both teams in this high-stakes season opener."
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