Travis Kelce injury update: Chiefs tight end injures knee

The Kansas City Chiefs are already trying their best to get key players back in time to play on Thursday night in the team's home opener against the visiting Detroit Lions. However, a new name was added to the injured list on Tuesday that shook Chiefs Kingdom to the core: Travis Kelce.

The Chiefs announced that Kelce, the team's star tight end and most valuable offensive weapon, had hyperextended his knee in practice on Tuesday, which calls into question his status for the game to be played on Thursday Night Football. Kelce went for an MRI on Tuesday and early reports say he's likely avoided any long-term injury. The issue is swelling for now, which may or may not resolve itself before Thursday's game.

Kelce's status for Thursday night's game is now uncertain after hyperextending his knee in practice on Tuesday.

Kelce has always been of utmost importance to the Chiefs offense for most of the last decade, as he's remained on a historic trajectory to outpace every single player who has ever played the tight end position in the NFL. This year, however, Kelce is even more valuable than ever given the level of uncertainty in the Chiefs wide receiver room.

The good news here is that Kelce was not immediately ruled out with the knee injury, so it's quite possible that he's able to suit up and play—even on a snap count. Beyond that, the Chiefs do have Noah Gray waiting in the wings who had a very impressive preseason and could temporarily carry some of the load—although there's certainly no replacing a player like Kelce.

Kelce had 110 catches for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns last year for the Chiefs.

Check back here for updated information as it comes across the wire or as Chiefs make further moves.