Travis Kelce arrives for Chiefs vs Bengals with Taylor Swift set to watch on as Kansas City looks to bounce back from Christmas Day defeat to the Raiders
Travis Kelce has arrived at Arrowhead ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs' crucial New Year's Eve performance against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Chiefs are yet to clinch a play-off spot after their shock defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Day, which saw Kelce and Co defeated 20-14 in front of their own supporters.
Despite that setback, Kansas City knows a win or draw against Cincinnati will be enough to clinch a playoff berth, while defeats elsewhere for the Raiders and the Denver Broncos could get them over the line even if they slump to a second consecutive defeat. on Sunday.
Kelce is expected to be cheered on in the stands by girlfriend Taylor Swift, who looks to make her second appearance at Arrowhead in a week.
The pop sensation was on hand for three consecutive Chiefs losses, having also watched her boyfriend's team lose to the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers earlier this month.
Travis Kelce has arrived at Arrowhead ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs' crucial New Year's Eve performance against the Cincinnati Bengals
Kelce and the Chiefs are looking to bounce back from their Christmas Day loss to the Las Vegas Raiders
His girlfriend Taylor Swift is expected to attend another game in Kansas City on Sunday
The reigning Super Bowl champions have not shown their usual form this season, falling to 9-6 after the Christmas Day loss to the Raiders.
And now that their offense has failed, so has Kelce, with the legendary tight end not proving to be the same difference-maker he has been in recent years.
Amid the Chiefs' offensive woes, many critics have pointed the finger at Kelce's new girlfriend Swift, but his trainer, Andrew Spruill, has labeled these accusations “ridiculous.”
Instead, Spruill, who lives in Florida, cited Kelce's health as the reason behind his struggle.
“He started hurt and missed game one,” Spruill told the BBC Palm Beach Post. 'Two days before the match he hyperextended his knee during training.'
Kelce suffered a hyperextended knee during practice a few days before the Chiefs opener against the Detroit Lions.
Kelce couldn't inspire his team to victory as they were shocked 20-14 by the Raiders
It was initially feared he would miss the entire season, but in a boost against Kansas City, he was ultimately ruled out for the Week 1 loss.
“He's been as healthy as you can be for an NFL player throughout his career,” Spruill added. “He missed his rookie year, but he hadn't missed a game until this year.
“That, plus a new offense and the receivers they have, hasn't gone as expected. It certainly put a damper on his typical production.”