Is Travis Kelce playing tonight? Major update on Chiefs TE's availability vs. Bengals

Just hours before the Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off against the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2023 AFC Championship game, it has been announced that Travis Kelce is now expected to play, according to Adam Schefter.

Chiefs’ TE Travis Kelce will be active for today’s AFC Championship Game.

Previously, it was reported that Kelce's appearance in today's game was questionable.

Here's what was reported earlier today:

After being restricted during practice this week due to back spasms, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is a "game-time decision" to start against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship game, according to Dov Kleiman via Twitter.

FOX: There is real danger #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce misses the #Bengals game.The team first needs to "see him run" before knowing if he'll play.He's a game-time decision. https://t.co/j2jhyKWK0z

In the Chiefs' last IR of the week, Kelce was categorized as "doubtful" after apparently hurting his back on Friday during training. As he received medical treatment, he avoided speaking with reporters after practice that day.

The only thing questionable about Travis Kelce today is whether he’s going to get multiple TDs or not https://t.co/Z6hNZxCw2l

In the absence of receiver Tyreek Hill this season, Travis Kelce's significance to the club has increased. With just two matches missed in nine years, the tight end has proven to be a very resilient player.

For the Chiefs, who are currently sweating over Patrick Mahomes' injury concerns, losing Kelce would be a significant setback. However, the quarterback will play versus the Bengals later this evening despite having a high ankle sprain from the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Schrager: Travis Kelce (back) will play in Conference Championship but won't be 100%.

Travis Kelce is very important to the Chiefs' offense

In his ninth year with the Chiefs, the eight-time Pro Bowl pick has amassed 1,338 yards and 12 TDs this season. In their victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, he amassed 98 yards and two scores on 14 receptions.

Since Tyreek Hill left the team, the tight end has had an outstanding run and emerged as Mahomes' favorite target without a doubt. He reeled in 110 catches in 2022. With 14 receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns in the Chiefs' divisional-round win, he has already proven that he can be just as successful in postseason outings.

#Chiefs TE Travis Kelce fully participated in practice today, but he was added to the injury report with a back issue and is listed as questionable for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the #Bengals.QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle) has no designation and is good to go.

Other battered players are present in the Kansas City squad. Based on the most recent injury list, Justin Watson and Mecole Hardman are doubtful. Hardman suffers from a pelvic ailment, while Watson has an unidentified disease.

Aside from Travis Kelce, three other tight ends, notably Joey Fortson, Noah Gray, and Blake Bell, are on the roster for the Chiefs.

Edited by Nicolaas Ackermann

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