(610 Sports) – In a game with AFC playoff implications, the Kansas City Chiefs will be without one of their top receiving options on Sunday afternoon.
Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce was unable to clear the league's COVID-19 protocols ahead of today's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and will not play, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The team has officially ruled him out, along with rookie linebacker Nick Bolton and offensive lineman Lucas Niang.
The Chiefs will also be without some of their coaching staff, as QBs coach Mike Kafka, RBs coach Greg Lewis and assistant O-line coach Corey Matthaei, all remain in COVID protocols.
Kelce joins Chiefs' kicker Harrison Butker and punter Tommy Townsend, who were both ruled out earlier in the week, on the sidelines. Elliott Fry will handle kicking duties against Pittsburgh and Townsend's brother, Johnny Townsend, will handle punting.
The good news for Kansas City, is that wide receiver Tyreek Hill was activated on Saturday and will be in uniform, as the look to clinch the AFC West with a win over the Steelers and a Los Angeles Chargers loss or tie. With a win today, the Chiefs will secure a playoff spot, they will just have to do it without Kelce.