The Kansas City Chiefs' preparations for their groundbreaking NFL game in Brazil have been hit with a major setback, as superstar tight end Travis Kelce suffered an ankle injury during practice.
The incident occurred during a joint session with the San Francisco 49ers, casting a shadow over the team's historic trip to São Paulo. Kelce was seen hobbling off the field after the mishap, immediately raising concerns among coaching staff and fans alike.
Initial assessments suggest a sprained ankle, a relief compared to fears of a more serious structural damage. However, the timing couldn't be worse for the Chiefs, who are set to face AFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, in a highly anticipated international showcase.
Rookie Involved in Collision
The injury unfolded during a routine drill when Kelce collided with rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy. The unintended contact saw Kelce's ankle twist awkwardly beneath him. Team medical staff rushed to attend to the three-time Super Bowl champion, who eventually walked to the locker room under his own power, albeit with a noticeable limp.
Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid addressed the media shortly after, attempting to downplay the severity. "We're evaluating Trav. You know how these things are; we'll see how he responds overnight. He's a tough guy, we all know that," Reid stated, maintaining the team's characteristic cautious optimism.
A Cloud Over the Brazil Debut
This injury scare threatens to derail what is meant to be a celebratory first-ever NFL game in South America. Kelce is not just an offensive linchpin for the Chiefs; he is a global sporting icon, whose presence is a major draw for the international fanbase.
His potential absence would represent a colossal blow to the league's marketing efforts for the game and, more critically, to the Chiefs' offensive game plan against a formidable Chargers defence. All eyes will now be on the team's injury reports in the lead-up to the weekend, as fans hold their breath hoping their star player makes a swift recovery.
