Make New York Post a Preferred Source Travis Kelce made just a quick appearance on the field Sunday.
On a reception during the Chiefs’ opening drive, Kelce ran for 23 yards before Falcons’ DeMarcco Hellams brought him down and appeared to twist the tight end’s ankle while doing so at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Chiefs labeled Kelce questionable to return with an ankle injury, while fellow tight end Jared Wiley was ruled out as the end of the first quarter neared.
After the play, the three-time Super Bowl champion was able to walk under his own power and made his way to the Chiefs’ locker room.
DeMarcco Hellams #23 of the Atlanta Falcons tackles Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, in Atlanta. Kelce was injured. Getty Images On the other hand, Wiley was carted off the field following the drive, putting Kansas City in early trouble.
The Chiefs will have to turn to tight ends Noah Gray and rookie Jake Briningstool.
The absence of Kelce is something that will be quickly felt on the field, especially for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The 37-year-old and husband of Taylor Swift has been Mahomes’ top target this season.
Heading into Sunday, Kelce had 49 targets — two ahead of Xavier Worthy and 14 more than Kenneth Walker.
In what is expected to be his swan song season, Kelce has 33 receptions for 482 yards and two touchdowns across eight games.
The Chiefs were able to score off of the first drive — a 12-yard touchdown pass to Emmett Johnson — to get an early 7-0 lead.
The Falcons (3-6) are coming off of two consecutive losses, including a 34-17 beatdown from the Bengals last week.
