Travis Kelce has been the center of controversy at the start of the 2024 NFL season. The Kansas City Chiefs star is not at his best, and this caused such a stir that head coach Andy Reid had to make a major decision regarding the future of his tight end.
Kelce’s poor performance has been more than noticeable. In his first three games of the year, the tight end has just eight receptions for 69 yards, with no touchdowns. This is the worst three-game stretch in the University of Cincinnati product’s 12-year career.
The slump has not gone unnoticed by fans or analysts, who have taken on the task of solving the mystery of Kelce’s low production. So far, speculation has focused on his age – he’s about to turn 35 – his off-field commitments, or his relationship with singer Taylor Swift.
Some have even called for Kelce to be benched and for fourth-year tight end Noah Gray to be the starting player. Amid the controversy and speculation, Reid has already spoken out to make it clear who will be his starter for the Week 4 game against the Chargers.
Reid puts an end to speculation
In an interview before the game against Los Angeles, Andy Reiddefinitively ruled out benching Kelce. The Chiefs’ coach assured that opposing defenses still see the veteran tight end as a threat, which opens the opportunity for other receivers on the team.
“I know people are saying that he’s old or whatever, that he has distractions, and all this,” Reid admitted. However, he also noted, “The defenses don’t think that. We have another receiver opposite him that has a lot of yards and catches. That’s how this thing goes.”
He assured the media the star-tight end is the same as always and is still training with the same intensity. “Trav is fine. He just keeps being Trav. He works his tail off and he hasn’t lost a step,” said the seasoned coach.
Reid even took time to dismiss the rumors that say Swift is to blame for Kelce’s poor performance, saying, “He’s not distracted. That’s not the case. They are making sure he’s taken care of.”
The Chiefs have bigger concerns
If there is something that really worries Reid, it is not Kelce but his offensive line. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has suffered four sacks this season, all in the first two games, against the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Much of the responsibility for protecting Mahomes falls on the left tackle, so Reid was forced to step in, benching rookie Kingsley Suamataia and giving second-year tackle Wanya Morris the starting job.
As Reid tries to patch up his offensive line, all eyes will be on Travis Kelce and the box seats at SoFi Stadium to see how the drama of the tight end and the pop star continues to unfold.
