Kansas City Chiefs Injuries: Travis Kelce, Jared Wiley both injured in first quarter of Week 10 tilt vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Kansas City Chiefs suddenly find themselves thin at the tight end position in Week 10’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Update: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce returned to the game with just over 7 minutes left in the second quarter.
The Kansas City Chiefs have suddenly found themselves thin at the tight end position in Week 10’s tilt with the Atlanta Falcons.
First, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce was hurt after a 23-yard reception. The play could easily be described as a “dirty play.” Falcons S DeMarcco Hellams made the tackle and twisted Kelce’s ankle. Kelce limped off the field and was attended to by the training staff. He attempted to come back on the field, but took himself out of the game. They tried to re-tape his ankle on the sideline, but then Kelce was seen hobbling to the locker room for further evaluation.
Second, Chiefs fourth-year TE Jared Wiley suffered an ankle injury. It’s unclear when the injury occurred, but the severity was clear. He was carted to the locker room to receive further evaluation.
Kansas City quickly ruled Kelce questionable. Wiley, however, was ruled out with his right ankle injury. That’s usually not a good sign when someone is ruled out that quickly.
Chiefs suddenly thin at the tight end position
The Chiefs entered the game dangerously thin at running back. Now they’re thin at tight end. With Kelce and Wiley hurt, they have only two tight ends left on the 53-man roster. Those two players are veteran tight end Noah Gray and second-year TE Jake Briningstool.
Briningstool had a 20-yard gain after Kelce and Wiley left the game. He is clearly ready to contribute in the passing game.
Kelce entered the game with a nagging ankle injury. It’s hard to say whether he’ll have a chance to return. Wiley’s career has been marred by injury, and I wouldn’t expect him to return given that he was carted off the field. I suspect that Briningstool and Gray will have to get the job done in Week 10. From there, the Chiefs have international player Thomas Odukoya on the practice squad at tight end.
We’ll keep you updated on Kelce’s status as we learn more.
