The tight end is closing in on the landmark
Travis Kelce faces an anxious wait to discover if he will be picked for their fixture against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, with his record hanging on the line.
The 34-year-old tight end has savored another stellar campaign with the Kansas City Chiefs, even if the 2023 Super Bowl winners have underwhelmed this year.
Chiefs’ Travis Kelce and teammates make surprising picks for college football playoff winnerTwitter
Kelce is edging ever closer to reaching the 1,000-yard milestone after a rare off day against the Cincinnati Bengals last time out saw him fall short.
He has already accumulated 984 receiving yards so far this season, meaning he only needs 16 more to hit his target.
If he does so, it would represent the eighth consecutive season in which he has reached the impressive figure.
Only against the Miami Dolphins, where he posted three receptions for 14 yards, has he fallen short of the required amount to get him four figures.
And while his three receptions against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 31 saw him post his joint-lowest numbers for the season, he would be gunning for his record if given the chance.
If he plays and exceeds 16 receiving yards, he would extend his own record for most 1,000-yard seasons and consecutive 1,000-yard seasons by a tight end, making him arguably the best in the business in his position.
Andy Reid’s reluctance
But it is hardly a guarantee that he will be given the chance to continue his record for the 2024 regular season.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid would be hesitant to anger one of his star athletes by denying him the chance to extend his record, yet he may well be thinking about the big picture.
MORE in MARCABruce Willis’ mom fears actor won’t recognize her due to his dementia | MarcaMarcaDivorce looming between Harry and Meghan? The Sussex are reportedly on the verge of splitting up, per report | MarcaMarca
The Chiefs are heading into the playoffs and will need Kelce every bit as much as their quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who definitely will be sitting out.
Reid has already made the call to leave out Mahomes for backup Blaine Gabbert, and said he “wasn’t there yet” with regards to taking decisions on Kelce and defensive tackle Chris Jones.
