December 25, 2024

Vikings vs. Chiefs score, live updates: Travis Kelce hurts right foot, leaves game but returns

Chiefs #Chiefs

MINNEAPOLIS — It was far from pretty, but the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs took care of business on Sunday against the Vikings, getting a key touchdown from a hobbled Travis Kelce and some late-game help from polarizing officiating to survive a Minnesota comeback attempt, advancing to 4-1 with a 27-20 victory.

Kelce briefly left the Week 5 matchup with a non-contact ankle injury, requiring locker-room X-rays ahead of halftime, but he still managed to lead the Chiefs with 10 catches and a score, which helped Kansas City take a two-score lead late in the third quarter. The other premium weapon in Sunday’s clash, Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson, was much quieter before leaving with a hamstring injury of his own, finishing with just three catches for 28 yards.

Instead rookie Jordan Addison helped fuel Minnesota’s attack, which pulled within seven in the final quarter but failed to capitalize on a later red-zone opportunity, during which U.S. Bank Stadium fans roared at the refs for failing to flag Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who made contact with the pass catcher defending the end zone on back-to-back plays.

The Vikings fought hard in this one after losing a fumble on the first play from scrimmage, including with a successful fake punt at midfield and first-half pressure from Brian Flores’ front. But it was the Chiefs who ultimately did more with the ball in their hands, as Mahomes spread passes to 10 different players, including deep shots to Justyn Ross and Justin Watson. Kansas City was not necessarily disciplined, racking up 10 penalties, but it also fared better on third downs and was a perfect 3-for-3 in the red zone.

Stay tuned for takeaways from Sunday’s showdown.

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