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Chiefs TE Travis Kelce playing in AFC championship despite back injury

Ed Zurga/AP

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrate during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo.

By: Taylor Weiter

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Both Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are playing in the AFC championship despite their injuries, according to the latest report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

While Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain in the Chiefs' divisional playoff game, his status was never in doubt. The former NFL MVP was a full participant in practice every day this week.

Kelce, however, was considered a "game-time decision." FOX Sports' Jay Glazer said his status on playing would be decided right before the game after he suffered a back injury at practice Friday. Schefter said just after 5 p.m. Sunday that Kelce will be active.

Travis Kelce is a game-time decision after injuring his back at practice on Friday.@JayGlazer has the latest updates on Mahomes and Kelce before today's AFC Championship game ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/cH5Ca7x6yw
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 29, 2023

Kelce, who did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, had been listed as questionable with a back injury on the Chiefs' report Friday. The University of Cincinnati alum was a full participant in practice Friday and was scheduled to appear before media members, but did not show up to the podium, according to Kansas City station KSHB.

Kelce had 14 receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns in Kansas City's divisional game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Wide receiver Mecole Hardman will be active. Receiver Justin Watson is inactive.

On Cincinnati's end, starting offensive linemen Alex Cappa and Jonah Williams will once again be out. Center Ted Karras, who suffered a knee injury against the Buffalo Bills but never exited the game, was a full participant in practice every day this week.

Fairfield native Jackson Carman will likely start his second game at tackle Sunday in place of Williams, while Hakeem Adeniji fills in for La'el Collins and Max Scharping replaces Cappa. The three helped Cincinnati to one of its most complete games of the season against the Bills just one week ago.