The Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl defense is set to kick off without their star tight end, Travis Kelce.
Kelce will be sidelined for the 2023 NFL Kickoff Game against the Detroit Lions due to a knee injury he sustained earlier this week
The eight-time Pro Bowl tight end initially suffered what Chiefs head coach Andy Reid described as a hyperextended knee during Tuesday's practice.
However, further reports from Rapoport and NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero categorized the injury as a bone bruise, which is not expected to be a long-term concern.
Nevertheless, Kelce, at 33 years old, will be missing a game due to injury for the first time since his rookie season back in 2013.
In Kelce's absence, it's likely that tight end Noah Gray will step into the starting role for the Chiefs.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes may also adjust by targeting wide receivers such as Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Kadarius Toney to compensate for the absence of the prolific Kelce.
Kansas City is known for its impressive opening-game streaks, having won eight consecutive season openers,
eight consecutive games overall (including playoffs), and 16 consecutive regular-season games against NFC opponents dating back to 2019.
However, these streaks will face a formidable challenge tonight against an emerging Lions team that won't have to contend with defending the NFL's most prolific tight end, Travis Kelce.