Travis Kelce’s Worried Reaction To Patrick Mahomes’ Injury Has Kansas City Chiefs Fans Talking

Travis Kelce reacts emotionally to Patrick Mahomes’ injury scare© X formally Twitter

Patrick Mahomes went down late in the second quarter against the Jets, and Travis Kelce's face said it all. A CBS replay showed Kelce staring up at the sky with his eyes shut, letting out a long, worried sigh. Another angle caught Mahomes grimacing, then favoring his elbow on the sideline while the Chiefs medical staff worked on his arm. Fans panicked. Then the quarterback came back, opened the second half under center and threw a fourth-down touchdown to Kelce on the first drive.

Patrick Mahomes elbow injury: Andy Reid's halftime update

Coach Andy Reid spoke with CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson at halftime. "Yeah, he hurt his elbow a little bit," Reid said.

"It's sore, but he came back and he's a tough kid."

Mahomes showed no sign of a limit after that. He nearly scored on the ground, falling just short, and connected with Kelce for the touchdown on the very next play. Kansas City went on to beat New York 35-12 and end a two-game skid. The team has not given a full diagnosis, and Mahomes' status for Week 10 is still a question mark.

Travis Kelce on Mahomes' determination after his ACL injury

Kelce knows what Mahomes can push through. The quarterback tore his ACL last December and still made Week 1. Before the season, Kelce described that effort on the "New Heights" podcast.

"I could see the determination," Kelce noted, per Yahoo Sports. "I could see the frustration in his mind that it got to this point this year.

"And you know, that's a huge reason why I'm still playing the game, because I know that guy. …I want to be there for that guy in every aspect of the game," Kelce added.

"And I think that's exciting coming into the year. We get a fresh start."

That bond helps explain the sideline moment. Kelce has watched Mahomes grind through a long rehab, so a sore elbow in November landed hard. His sigh came from a teammate who has seen the work it takes to stay on the field. Kelce then caught the touchdown that followed.