Cue the "Refs Love the Chiefs" tweets: Travis Kelce admits officials botched missed flag

T ravis Kelc e has given NFL fans another reason to debate the officiating after admitting he was fortunate to escape a holding penalty during the Kansas City Chiefs ' 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos . The tight end addressed the controversial play with his brother Jason and his comments have reignited the familiar debate about whether Kansas City receives favorable treatment.

The incident occurred during a scoring drive after the Chiefs intercepted Bo Nix as Patrick Mahomes subsequently found the end zone, but Kelce 's block became a major talking point among viewers. The Chiefs had opened their 2026 season with an emphatic victory, offering encouragement after missing the playoffs entirely in 2025. However, the apparent missed penalty quickly shifted attention toward the officials. Kelce did not dismiss the controversy when discussing the play. Instead, the veteran tight end acknowledged that the block was questionable and admitted he was relieved when no flag appeared. “It was definitely a questionable play,” Kelce said on New Heights . “That's one of those where you get up slowly, like ‘please don't let there be any laundry on the field’”. The Chiefs star also acknowledged the nature of the contact, admitting that his opponent had been caught in an awkward position during the block. “Had a man up by his neck. Can't do it. Almost cost us,” Kelce continued, recognizing that the incident could have changed the outcome of the scoring opportunity. He explained that a holding penalty would have had significant consequences for Kansas City 's drive too. “And, to be honest, that would have been Pat Mahomes' second rushing touchdown called back in two plays because we literally did the same thing,” Kelce said. “That would have taken us out of the red zone. “That was risky business, right there. Technically I didn't grab anything, I just kind of hugged him.” Skip Bayless also weighed in, joking that the officials had given Kelce a belated wedding present by overlooking the apparent hold whilst others expressed frustration with the officiating.

Injured Chiefs star receives positive update

The Chiefs also received encouraging news on the injury front, with head coach Andy Reid confirming that rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane would return to practice Wednesday. Reid also suggested there was a strong possibility Delane would be available for Sunday's game, although his participation in practice would help determine his status. “Delane is back, and he'll be out there today doing his thing,” Reid said, raising hopes that the first-round pick could feature against the Indianapolis Colts . “Yeah, there's a pretty good chance he'll be back out there. He's going to go today.” Delane had left the season opener with a shoulder injury after recording an interception on his third snap. His potential return would provide a boost to Kansas City 's defense. The Chiefs are still monitoring other injuries, with left tackle Josh Simmons and safety Chamarri Conner expected to remain sidelined.