Chargers Division Path Could Ease with Rival TE's Injury

Could LA take advantage of their rivals' key injury?

The Los Angeles Chargers are only three days away from the start of the 2023 season against the Miami Dolphins. However, the NFL season starts today between the Detroit Lions and the Chargers AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs. 

Football is finally back, and the world feels right again... unless you're a Chiefs fan. We learned a couple of hours before kick-off that Chiefs superstar tight end Travis Kelce will be OUT for their season opener, according to NFL insiders, including Ian Rapoport. 

Sources: #Chiefs star TE Travis Kelce is out tonight against the #Lions. He may give it another try before kickoff. Either way, the bone bruise should not keep him out long-term. pic.twitter.com/n2TZXBmZUS

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 7, 2023

The injury is listed as a knee/hamstring injury. Kelce suffered the injury earlier this week, and it was initially listed as a hyperextended knee. At the moment, that's all we know, and even though it's unfortunate for the Chiefs, it could be a massive help for the Bolts. 

Before we get into it, we never wish injury on anyone; that's not the type of people we are here. However, injuries happen, which could benefit the Chargers if it's worse than we think (we hope it's not). 

The Chargers are 3-7 against the Chiefs in their past ten games. Eight out of the ten games were one-possession games, and Kelce has made a big play in each. That's what superstar players do, and he's caused those types of problems for the rest of the league, not just the Chargers. 

However, he especially kills the Bolts. In 17 games, he's collected 88 receptions for 1,044 yards and eight touchdowns. I know, yikes. 

The Chargers only play the Chiefs in two of their 17 games, but for all we know, that could be the difference in the division. If Kelce isn't 100% throughout the whole season, and he isn't the Kelce we all know, LA can take advantage of those games without Patrick Mahomes' favorite weapon. 

If the Chargers are as advertised, their only real threat in the division is the Chiefs, and if he's out for an extended period of time, advantage Chargers.

The first matchup in this great rivalry will come in Week 7 at KC. We expect Kelce to be out there by that time, but we'll see if he's the same or lost a pep to his step. 

We wish him the best in his recovery, but not against the Bolts. 

We'll see how this plays out for the Chiefs and your Chargers.