INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Travis Kelce became the Kansas City Chiefs' career receptions leader Sunday, passing Tony Gonzalez with his second catch against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The nine-time Pro Bowl tight end made a 38-yard reception on Kansas City's opening drive to tie the record of 916 catches set by Gonzalez over 12 seasons from 1997 to 2008. Kelce then caught a 5-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes on the Chiefs' fourth drive to set the new record early in his own 12th season with the team.
Taylor Swift wasn't in attendance at SoFi Stadium to see the latest achievement by the 34-year-old Kelce, who is fourth in NFL history for receptions by a tight end. He trails Gonzalez — who finished with 1,325 catches after playing five seasons for Atlanta following his Chiefs career — along with Jason Witten and Antonio Gates.
Kelce was off to a slow start statistically during his first three games this season, making only eight catches for 69 yards amid what Mahomes called extra attention from opposing defenses.
The veteran tight end might need to take an even bigger role in the champs' offense after top receiver Rashee Rice injured his knee in a collision with Mahomes during an interception return in the first quarter against the Chargers. The play started when Mahomes overthrew Kelce downfield, allowing Kristian Fulton to make his interception.
Kelce, who turns 35 on Saturday, is closing in on two additional Kansas City franchise records.
He has 74 touchdown receptions, trailing only Gonzalez's 77. Kelce's 77 total touchdowns are seven behind Priest Holmes' Chiefs record of 84.
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce warms up before the start of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce catches a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has a reshuffled offensive line protecting him against the Kansas City Chiefs.
That’s not encouraging news for Herbert, who is still hampered by a high right ankle sprain that occurred two weeks ago at Carolina.
The Chargers are missing both starting offensive tackles for Sunday’s game after left tackle Rashawn Slater and right tackle Joe Alt were declared inactive because of injuries.
Slater suffered a pectoral injury during the first half last week. Alt is dealing with a sprained MCL that happened during the fourth quarter.
Trey Pipkins, who started the first three games at right guard, has shifted to right tackle. Pipkins started 31 games at right tackle in 2022 and ’23, but moved to guard this year when the Chargers made Alt the fifth overall pick in the draft.
Sam Mustipher was called up from the practice squad and started at right guard. Mustipher is in his fifth season and has 42 NFL starts in Chicago and Baltimore. However, he has taken only three snaps at right guard in a game.
Jamaree Salyer started at left tackle. The third-year lineman had 14 starts at the spot in 2022 after Slater had a season-ending biceps injury.
Center Bradley Bozeman and left guard Zion Johnson remained in their usual spots.
Herbert was limited in practice this week but participated all three days. The fifth-year quarterback came out during the third quarter of last week’s 20-10 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers after taking repeated hits to the ankle.
The Chargers are also missing linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) and safety Derwin James (suspension).
Los Angeles has lost five straight when facing the Chiefs. The Chargers have not defeated their AFC rival on their home field since 2013.
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Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh helps his team warm up before the start of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Chargers Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert warms up before the start of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
