Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce wasn't able to test out of COVID-19 protocols in time for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, so he will not play, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Chiefs star went on the reserve/COVID-list Monday, and there was some hope that he would be able to come off the list and be able to play. This is what happened to fellow star Tyreek Hill, who cleared protocols Saturday. Unfortunately, Kelce wasn't able to follow suit. This will only be Patrick Mahomes' second game without Kelce in his career.

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This is a major blow to a Chiefs offense that relies a lot on Kelce's dominance. The All-Pro tight end had 10 catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns in Kansas City's last game against the Los Angeles Chargers, including the game-winning score in overtime. For the season, Kelce has 83 catches for 1,066 yards and seven touchdowns.

Mahomes and the Chiefs can certainly still win without Kelce. Kansas City is on a roll, winners of seven in a row after a sluggish start to the season. Kansas City's defense has picked things up in a major way since a dreadful start to the 2021 campaign. The Chiefs are trying to earn the top seed in the AFC, and they're currently a half-game up on the Tennessee Titans.

The Steelers are 7-6-1 and in a desperate battle for a playoff spot in the crowded AFC playoff picture.