Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has a surprising backup role this season, according to special teams coordinator Dave Toub. While Kelce will continue to be a key target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, he may find himself in a more unfamiliar position in the case of an injury.
‘See, Kelce is our backup long-snapper,’ Toub revealed to reporters. ‘During the regular season, I can throw him in there, and he’s dynamite, does a great job.’
Travis Kelce is a backup long snapper for the Kansas City Chiefs, it has been revealed
Toub’s revelation came after he was asked about the team’s starting long snapper, James Winchester, who injured his shoulder in last weekend’s preseason loss to the Lions. Winchester was able to return in the second half, but tight end Noah Gray, not Kelce, filled in for him.
The team later signed undrafted free agent Randen Plattner as insurance for Winchester, making it unlikely that Kelce will see time at long snapper.
In other Chiefs special teams news, former rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit is facing a fight to make the 53-man roster. The Welshman is listed as a running back but is buried on the depth chart and will likely have to make the team as a return specialist and special teamer.
Rees-Zammit returned a punt for 27 yards and took out a kickoff in Kansas City’s loss to the Lions on Saturday. He also took two carries from the backfield for one total yard in his debut vs. the Jaguars.
The 23-year-old has also lined up as a wide receiver and has recorded several tackles on special teams coverage. The NFL’s deadline for roster cuts is August 27.
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Travis Kelce has surprise backup role for Chiefs this season: ‘he’s dynamite’
