With his second reception against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Travis Kelce overtook Tony Gonzalez to become the Kansas City Chiefs’ career catches leader. With a 38-yard reception on Kansas City’s opening drive, the nine-time Pro Bowl tight end tied the mark of 916 catches set by Gonzalez over 12 seasons from 1997 to 2008. The Chiefs’ fourth possession saw Kelce catch a 5-yard ball from Patrick Mahomes to set the new mark early in his own 12-year career with the franchise.
Taylor Swift was not present at SoFi Stadium to witness the 34-year-old tight end Kelce’s most recent accomplishment. Kelce ranks fourth in NFL history for tight end receptions. He is behind Gonzalez, who played five seasons for and finished with 1,325 catches after playing five seasons for Atlanta following his Chiefs career – along with Jason Witten and Antonio Gates.
In his first three games of the season, Kelce had a sluggish start statistically, logging just eight catches for 69 yards in the face of what Mahomes claimed was increased defensive pressure from opponents.
After leading receiver Rashee Rice hurt his knee in a collision with quarterback Patrick Mahomes during an interception return in the first quarter against the Chargers, the seasoned tight end may need to assume an even larger role in the winning team’s attack. Mahomes overthrew Kelce downfield to set up the play, which allowed Kristian Fulton to intercept.
On Saturday, Kelce, who will turn 35, will pass two more Kansas City club marks. He has 74 touchdown receptions, trailing only Gonzalez’s 77. Kelce’s 77 total touchdowns are seven behind Priest Holmes’ Chiefs record of 84. After colliding with quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the first quarter of the Chiefs’ game against the Los Angeles Chargers, wide receiver Rashee Rice of the Kansas City Chiefs was wheeled to the locker room. After getting hurt, Rice, who was lying in the back of the injury cart with a towel over his face, managed to make it to the sidelines before being wheeled off.
Rice chased down Chargers defensive back Kristian Fulton after Mahomes threw an interception to him, punching the ball loose and causing a fumble. Attempting to make a tackle himself, Mahomes’ shoulder collided with Rice’s knee, causing Rice’s leg to bend awkwardly.
Rice was originally listed by the Chiefs as “questionable to return” due to a knee injury, but less than ten minutes later they downgraded him and declared him out. We will update this article when new information becomes available.
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Amy Cooper
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