Adam Teicher, ESPN Staff Writer 6y

Here's what the Chiefs would miss if Travis Kelce can't play

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- All of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce's skills were on display in the first half of Sunday night's win against the Houston Texans. Kelce was getting open, running after the catch and on his way to a monster game with eight catches and 98 yards.

That's what the Chiefs would miss if Kelce, who didn't play in the second half because of a concussion, can't play in next Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Arrowhead Stadium.

And there's more. The Chiefs like their multiple-tight-end formations. They're fourth in the league in snaps with two tight ends on the field (81) and 12th with three tight ends (19).

The Chiefs have also been good with more tight ends than just Kelce on the field. They run the ball very well with additional tight ends (5.6 yards per carry with two, 11.83 with three). They have four touchdowns with two tight ends in their lineup, which is tied for the league lead.

Kansas City's ability to utilize their multiple-tight-end formations is limited without Kelce. The Chiefs still have two tight ends, Demetrius Harris and Ross Travis, and both played well as receivers against the Texans. Harris caught three passes for 21 yards, Travis two for 26.

"Demetrius continues to do a nice job at the tight end spot when called on," coach Andy Reid said. "You saw Ross Travis step up and have a nice couple of catches when (Kelce) was out in the second half."

The Chiefs used Harris and Travis together at times in the second half on Sunday night but they frequently had fullback Anthony Sherman or backup offensive lineman Jordan Devey filling in for Travis as a second tight end.

"I feel comfortable with it, yes," Reid said after a pause when asked whether the Chiefs can accomplish what they hope to on offense if Kelce doesn't play. "The only reason I'm hesitating is that it looked like Kelce was feeling OK after the game. I'm not telling you Kelce is out. I don't want it to come off that way. He's got to go through the whole protocol part of it. But if he is out, then I feel very comfortable with those other guys."

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