Travis Kelce had his ankle cleaned up surgically early in the offseason and it appears the offseason program will end without him getting back on the field.

The Chiefs tight end continued to watch his team from the sidelines this week as his team prepares for its minicamp, which begins on Tuesday. According to coach Andy Reid, though, the star pass catcher's absence should not extend much longer than that.

I don’t think (he’ll participate) next week,” Reid said. “I think you’ll probably see him in training camp.”

Kelce’s absence has given other tight ends what Reid calls “great work” over the course of the offseason. That should help the team’s depth, although getting Kelce back trumps any other developments at the position.

Kelce is coming off a tear of a season in 2018. His 103 receptions in 2018 set a franchise record and his 1,336 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns were career bests. He was also named first-team All-Pro for the second time in his career.

Six players are competing for one or two roster spots at the position this offseason, but right now the Chiefs are having trouble putting very many of them on the field for OTAs. It's not just Kelce, who is locked into the No. 1 role.

Deon Yelder, the only other tight end on the roster who was with the team last season, was out with a hamstring injury, and Blake Bell missed the session with back spams. Rookie Juan Thornhill also missed Thursday's practice.