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Travis Kelce has a surprise backup role for the Chiefs this season, as special teams coordinator Dave Toub revealed on Tuesday.
Of course, Kelce will continue as Patrick Mahomes‘ favorite target from the tight end position.
But he could find himself in a far more unfamiliar position in the case of an injury.
‘See, Kelce’s our backup long-snapper,’ Toub told 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
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub said that Kelce was ‘dynamite’ in the unfamiliar role
Toub brought up Kelce’s surprising role 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 – was forced to fill in for him.
The team later signed undrafted free agent Randen Plattner – who spent time with the Ravens earlier this year – as insurance for Winchester.
Thus, it’s unlikely that Kelce actually sees 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.
In Kansas City’s loss to the Lions on Saturday, he returned a punt for 27 yards, while he also took out a kickoff.
He 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 as well.
The NFL’s deadline for roster cuts is August 27.