Travis Kelce admits injuries and Chiefs’ mid-season wobble left him mentally ‘in a darker room’ but insists he is healthy for the Super Bowl: ‘I’ve had to battle things more serious than this’

Travis Kelce has revealed how his battle with injuries this season – combined with the team’s post-season struggles – left him mentally in a ‘dark room’ at times.

Kelce missed the opening game of the season with a knee hyperextension and also battled an ankle sprain in October.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs went 4-4 to end the season as they limped into the playoffs after a 7-2 start.

“Every year is different and there have been years where I’ve had to fight through things that were honestly a little more serious and a little more frustrating than what I had to go through this year,” Kelce told reporters Friday.

“But this year I think the fact that we didn’t win has to do with how I felt physically and you can catch yourself in a darker room, I guess. If we can find ways to win, find a way to join the pack, find a way to win the division, find a way to get to the playoffs and get to where we are today, it makes it that much more fun. Every year has its own challenges, everyone is dealing with something, I promise you that.’

Nevertheless, Kelce is left off the Chiefs’ current injury report with the Super Bowl still just over a week away.

Rashee Rice, who is reportedly nursing an ankle injury, practiced fully on Thursday while Isiah Pacheco was in limited practice with a toe/ankle injury.

The 49ers’ George Kittle did not practice Thursday due to a toe injury, while Arik Armstead (knee/foot) and Trent Williams (rest) were also postponed.