The Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce looks set to be deployed in a new role after Andy Reid’s “sacrifice” comments.
Kelce has put up career-low numbers across the board this season but his importance to the back-to-back Super Bowl champions hasn’t faltered. The 35-year-old’s position could now be under threat in a move by the Chiefs that could see head coach Reid deploy Kelce in a different role.
The Chiefs have signed veteran tight end Robert Tonyan to their practice squad in a move that could impact Kelce’s role. Despite his form, Kelce is still quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ top target but Reid has suggested that may have to change. “I’m not telling you he doesn’t like to play and catch and do all that stuff. He’ll sacrifice for the cause… He’s willing to help out everywhere,” Reid said.
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Kelce has been key to the Chiefs’ offensive line challenges this season with his adaptability and experience proving key to Reid. The O-Line has allowed Mahomes to be sacked a career-high 36 times this season and has forced Kelce to contribute more as a blocker, proving to be a factor behind a drop in his receiving stats.
But Kelce’s impact hasn’t wavered and even brought him praise from Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, who called the tight end “unbelievably unselfish” as he highlighted his ability to create opportunities for his teammates.
“I don’t think he gets enough credit for that. Big playmaker certainly. But some of the things you see he does without the ball in his hands for others in terms of getting them open,” Tomlin said on Chiefs’ No. 87.
Robert Tonyan has been signed by the Chiefs (
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However, the impact that seasoned Tonyan may have on Kelce’s role or the Chiefs’ playoff approach remains to be seen. Since scoring 11 touchdowns with the Packers during his breakout season in 2020, Tonyan has been hit with injuries but he offers a different dimension with his 6ft 5in frame making him a reliable red-zone target.
The Chiefs are in action on Christmas Day for the second consecutive year as they travel to Pittsburgh, a decision that Mahomes has criticized, insisting playing three games in 11 days is a concern for the fitness of the team. “It’s not a good feeling,” he said.
“You never want to play this amount of games in this short of time. It’s not great for your body. But, at the end of the day, it’s your job, your profession. You have to come to work and do it.
“All you can do is focus on the game. The practice you have that day. I try to prepare my body all year long for this stretch. That’s tailoring my workouts, tailoring how you practice and prepare. And the coaches do a great job of taking care of us on the practice field. We practice as hard as anybody, but they know how to dial it back when needed.”
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