Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce returned to action after suffering an ankle injury during his team’s 22-6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL regular season on Sunday, October 18, 2026. The 37-year-old sustained the injury during the opening drive at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium after being tackled by Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley.
Kelce briefly left the field for medical attention, raising concerns about his fitness, but returned to the game after receiving treatment.
The injury occurred when Kelce caught a screen pass and his right ankle twisted awkwardly during the tackle. He appeared to be in discomfort as he made his way to the sideline, where the Chiefs’ medical staff examined and taped the affected ankle. Kelce missed the final two plays of Kansas City’s opening drive but returned during the team’s next possession. He continued playing despite the discomfort, providing a boost to the Chiefs’ offence.
Kelce finished the game with five receptions for 53 yards, contributing to Kansas City’s victory over their AFC West rivals. His performance helped the Chiefs maintain their unbeaten start to the 2026 season, improving their record to 5-0. Running back Kenneth Walker III led the offence with 128 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 272 yards. The Chiefs also benefited from a strong defensive display that limited the Chargers to six points.
Following the game, head coach Andy Reid provided an update on Kelce’s condition, saying the tight end had tweaked his ankle but continued playing. Reid indicated that Kelce might experience soreness the following day but was expected to be fine. The assessment offered reassurance to Kansas City, particularly as the team has already been dealing with injuries among its receiving options. The medical staff is expected to monitor Kelce’s recovery ahead of the next fixture.
Kelce remains a key figure in the Chiefs’ offence because of his experience and established partnership with Mahomes. Now in his 14th NFL season, he continues to play an important role in the team’s passing attack. His ability to return to the field after the early injury scare was encouraging, although his condition will remain a point of attention as Kansas City prepares for its upcoming games.
The Chiefs are scheduled to face the Seattle Seahawks on October 25 as they look to extend their winning run. Reid also provided updates on other players following the Chargers game, confirming that offensive tackle Jaylon Moore had suffered a concussion, while wide receiver Jalen Royals was evaluated for a possible concussion before being cleared to return. The team will continue assessing its players’ fitness as it prepares for the next stage of the season.