The Super Bowl is the biggest annual sporting event in the global sports calendar, with viewership set to be well into nine figures when the San Francisco 49ers take on the Kansas City Chiefs on February 11.
Until then, every aspect of the Super Bowl LVIII - on and off the pitch - will be analysed, as match-ups are compared, form analysed and every injury scare closely monitored.
The spotlight will perhaps shine brightest on Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Yes, his resurgent form during the playoffs which has seen him haul in 23 catches for 262 yards and three touchdowns has helped here, but his relationship with Taylor Swift means the column inches will rack up and make him the game’s most talked-about player.
What is Travis Kelce’s injury record this season?
The 34-year-old is now in his 11th season in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and while he has been a reliable starter during his career so far, he did miss two games with injury during the 2023 campaign.
He had to sit out the season opener against the Detroit Lions, which the Chiefs lost 21-20 at Arrowhead Stadium with a knee injury. He also missed the final game of the season with a neck issue, but the Chiefs had already wrapped up the AFC West title and the number three seed ahead of their 13-12 win over the Chargers.
What is Travis Kelce’s injury status for Super Bowl LVIII?
Kelce has shown no lingering effects from the injury that saw him sit out Week 18, playing all three play-off games for the Chiefs, and he does not feature on their current injury report so will be fine for the Super Bowl, bar any late injuries.
What other Kansas City Chiefs players are injured?
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid does have a number of injury worries to contend with.
Defensive end Charles Omenihu tore his ACL in the win over the Ravens and will not face his former team in the Super Bowl. Joe Thuney missed out against Baltimore with a pectoral injury and the All Pro guard is currently a doubt for the Super Bowl.
Linebacker Willie Gay also sat out the Ravens win with a neck injury, but given he was a game-time decision for that one, hopes will be high that he can play in Las Vegas. Then there is the somewhat bizarre case of Kadarius Toney, who claimed that he was not actually injured, despite being out since Week 15, listed as having ankle and hip injuries. Reid confirmed on Monday that the wide receiver has been injured, but is expected to return.
Live on DAZN: Super Bowl LVIII for just £0.99. Click here for details.