Kelce was listed with no game status designation on the Chiefs’ final injury report and will play against the Broncos, after a brief practice-week scare that briefly put his availability in doubt.

He had been limited in Thursday’s session with a right ankle problem that lingered from the Week 6 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. By Friday he returned to full participation, and the team removed the designation entirely.

Chiefs visit 5-2 Broncos with first place at stake

The matchup carries more weight than a typical divisional meeting. Kansas City sits at 5-1 and leads the AFC West, while Denver is 5-2, winners of three straight, and in position to leapfrog the Chiefs with a home victory.

The teams last met in Week 1, when Kansas City won 31-10 and the defence held Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in check.

Read also: Kimi Antonelli needs just ninth place to break record that has stood since 2010

Rashee Rice back in the mix

Kelce’s clearance is not the only lift for Patrick Mahomes. Wide receiver Rashee Rice is set to return for the first time since Week 4 after hamstring and knee issues, and offensive tackle Jaylon Moore has cleared concussion protocol.

Head coach Andy Reid still has concerns in the secondary. Cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed (knee) and Mansoor Delane (shoulder) are listed as questionable, while defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott has been ruled out with a knee injury.

Three games without a touchdown

Through six appearances, Kelce has 24 receptions for 343 yards and two touchdowns, and he has gone three straight games without finding the end zone. His presence over the middle gives Mahomes the safety valve the Chiefs lacked in last week’s 20-3 loss at Seattle.

Denver, for its part, cleared cornerback Patrick Surtain II after a full Friday practice, keeping its best defender in play against the division leader.

Read also: Fabrizio Romano reveals Manchester United’s dream replacement for Michael Carrick

Kick-off at Empower Field at Mile High is at 2:25pm local time on Sunday, on CBS.

Read also: Real Madrid could block Manchester United move for former player with €35m clause