Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce injured his right ankle during the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the host Minnesota Vikings.
Kelce briefly exited the game and underwent X-rays on his right foot in the locker room. NFL Network reported postgame that he was diagnosed with a low ankle sprain.
Kelce later returned to play in the third quarter.
“I wasn’t sure where we were going at halftime,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of Kelce. “Pretty tough kid. I wasn’t clear until he came out and told me. He said, ‘Just give me a minute, I’ll get this thing right.'”
After making a catch late in the second quarter, Kelce planted his right foot and slipped awkwardly on the turf and went down untouched. He jogged off the field under his own power and spoke with trainers on the sideline before walking to the locker room.
Kansas City termed Kelce as questionable to return for the second half. And he didn’t play a single snap on an 11-play touchdown drive to open the third quarter in which the Chiefs took a 20-13 lead.
Kelce returned for the next drive and caught five passes, including a 4-yard touchdown reception with 2:45 left in the quarter. He finished with 10 receptions for 67 yards.
Kelce, who turned 34 on Thursday, is an eight-time Pro Bowler.
Taylor Swift, whose relationship with Kelce has drawn international headlines, reportedly was not in attendance at Minneapolis for Sunday’s game.
–Field Level Media
