Travis Kelce injury update: Chiefs TE should be ready for training camp

The Kansas City Chiefs will likely be without the services of their Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery.

Travis Kelce enjoyed a truly breakout season this year in the NFL, finding his name often mentioned alongside Rob Gronkowski as the NFL’s best tight ends. Now he’s hoping to avoid avoid joining Gronk on another list — the injured list — as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery.

Andy Reid took to the mic at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday and gave further details on Kelce’s shoulder injury.

"“He’ll probably miss some time throughout the offseason, but he’ll be ready, I believe, for camp.”"

Keeping Kelce healthy for the regular season should be the primary objective here. There’s offensive continuity among the coaching staff and plenty of reps in Kelce’s back pocket, so there’s no need to rush him to any activities before Week 1. Even if that means allowing other players to get first-team reps in training camp or preseason games with the offense, Kelce should feel no need to rush back from any potential complications.

Kelce caught 85 passes this year for 1,125 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Chiefs this season, leading to his first All-Pro appearance and his second Pro Bowl nod.

With Kelce out, other Chiefs tight ends will have a good chance to stand out and impress the team’s offensive coaches during offseason training activities (OTAs) including younger players like Demetrius Harris, Ross Travis and James O’Shaughnessy.