Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce briefly left Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons after appearing to injure his ankle during the opening drive. The play came after Kelce made a 23-yard catch and run, extending his streak to 200 consecutive games with at least one reception. Falcons safety DeMarcco Hellams tackled him, and Kelce headed to the locker room after initially trying to shake off the injury and return to the field.
Kelce was back in the game late in the second quarter. He added one more catch and finished with two receptions for 30 yards as Kansas City beat Atlanta, 35–13.
### Andy Reid says Kelce battled through a calf injury
After the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Kelce “battled with his calf, but battled through it.” Kelce did not appear to aggravate the ankle injury he sustained against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6. Although he has sometimes been limited in practice, he has continued to start and play through the season.
Kelce appeared upbeat after the win, but Reid reported a more serious injury for fellow tight end Jared Wiley, who left the game around the same time. Wiley suffered an ankle fracture, and Reid said the injury “does not look good.”
### Chiefs prepare for a busy stretch
Kansas City hosts the Arizona Cardinals on November 22, then faces the Buffalo Bills four days later on Thanksgiving. Kelce may take a lighter approach in practice as the Chiefs prepare for the back-to-back games.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said it was good to see other players step up, particularly against man coverage. Mahomes, who injured his throwing arm the previous week, showed no apparent signs of pain against Atlanta. He threw five touchdown passes to four different receivers.
Rookie running back Emmett Johnson also made an impact while Kenneth Walker was out with a groin injury. Johnson recorded 22 carries for 101 yards, caught six passes for 70 yards and scored two touchdowns. Mahomes praised Johnson’s daily approach, saying he was happy for the rookie and that his mindset would benefit the team as the season continued.
