ENGLEWOOD — The Broncos might see the last of a Chiefs legend on Christmas Day.

Tight end Travis Kelce told Kansas City reporters that he will decide his playing future by March prior to 2026 NFL free agency. Kelce, 36, is playing in his 13th season with the Chiefs. Kelce’s career numbers — 1,072 catches for 12,954 yards and 82 touchdowns — make him a lock for future enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Kelce briefly addressed his future last week with Kansas City media before a Chiefs loss, 26-9, to the Titans.

“I think I’d rather just keep the focus on this team, right now,” Kelce told reporters in Kansas City. “All the conversations that I have with the team moving forward will be with them. It’s a unique time in my life. I’ve got three games left. Unfortunately, I’ve got three games left and I know when the season ends. Just trying to make sure everybody here knows that I’m focused on trying to win games [in] these last three games.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid responded to questions Thursday about Kelce’s future.

“I don’t know if it is (Kelce’s final home game) or not. I haven’t talked to him,” Reid told reporters in Kansas City. “I think his numbers and personality and the person … speak for themselves. Phenomenal person (and) great for the community. He’s everything you want from a player representing an organization.”

Kelce, a Pro Bowler in 2026, has a long history of torching the Broncos. He’s played Denver 21 times in his NFL career during the regular season with 133 catches for 1,627 yards and eight touchdowns. But he won’t have the benefit of quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ACL) on Thursday with third-stringer Chris Oladokun getting the start.

Broncos injury report

Five Broncos have been ruled out against the Chiefs on Thursday in Kansas City: linebacker Karene Reid (hamstring), tight end Nate Adkins (knee), wide receiver Pat Bryant (concussion), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) and center Luke Wattenberg (shoulder).

Linebacker Justin Strnad does not have an injury designation (foot) clearing the path for him to start for Greenlaw on Thursday. Cornerback Riley Moss (ankle), left guard Ben Powers (biceps) and tight end Adam Trautman (illness) are expected to play.

Practice squad elevation candidates against the Chiefs include wide receiver Michael Bandy (one elevation left) and offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton (two elevations left).

Short week

The Broncos will face the Chiefs on short rest Thursday after losing the Jaguars, 34-20, at home the previous Sunday.

“There’s a process that we go through each week, and it takes a certain amount of time. So, compressing that process into half the time is always a challenge,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “It helps when you’ve played the team before relatively recently. You still want to get through all the tape and make sure you’re seeing everything. It’s just a race.”

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph added: “It’s a fine line between having a huge game plan versus letting guys play fast. It depends on who you’re playing. Obviously, this week we’re focused on ourselves and playing better in the red zone. The tackling part we can’t fix until Thursday night. We’ll fix that, and we’ll move forward.”

Briefly

The Broncos will wear all-while helmets and uniforms against the Chiefs. … Reid (hamstring) said he’s fully healthy after missing the last five games but didn’t know if he would be activated for Thursday night at Chiefs: “I’m not sure. I’m just practicing like I will be. But we’ll see. It seems like a day-by-day thing.” Reid was designated for return Dec. 17 but said the Broncos wanted to be extra cautious in not activating him to face the Jaguars. … On Wednesday, the Chiefs placed four players on injured reserve: CB Trent McDuffie, WR Rashee Rice, WR Tyquan Thornton and CB Jaylen Watson.