Travis Kelce leaves Chiefs training camp with hip and back tightness

The K.C. Chiefs watched All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce leave the field early from training camp at St. Joseph, Missouri on Thursday with hip and back tightness. Nate Taylor of The Athletic reported the news from camp and stated that Kelce was able to walk off the field on his own.

As of press time, no further details were known. At the very least we can be sure the Chiefs will take every precautionary measure to keep Kelce healthy with a long-term view of the season in mind.

Any potential injury to Kelce would be a major loss for the Chiefs offense and would be major news across the NFL, even for a bit of time. In his position as the game’s best overall tight end, Kelce is a game-altering force who cannot be easily defended. His instincts and intelligence have allowed him to set NFL records for most consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards and the single-season mark for most yards in a season by a tight end.

Travis Kelce left Chiefs practice early on Thursday.

Last season Kelce had 105 catches on 146 targets for a total of 1,416 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns for the Chiefs. His receiving total broke the mark for most TE yards in a season set by George Kittle during the previous season. Further production on par with recent seasons will cement his legacy and signal future induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for Kelce.

If the Chiefs are forced to go without Kelce for any stretch of time, Noah Gray’s stock would soar as the Chiefs would be forced to test the rookie fifth-round pick out of Duke early in the season. Kelce’s role in the offense matters more than others and the Chiefs would have a hard time shifting offensive priorities since they’re also lacking a clear X receiver in the wake of Sammy Watkins’ departure in free agency.