How do you replace Travis Kelce?

You can't. But the Chiefs should mix things up by going back to the "old" them if they have to start the season without him.

As I sit here writing at 8:49 p.m. Arrowhead time on September 6th, Travis Kelce’s status for the Chiefs’ Week 1 opener against the Lions is in question.

I’m sure you know, but just in case you didn’t… Kelce hyperextended his knee during Tuesday’s practice and is listed as questionable. It’s being described as a bone bruise, and apparently it’s an issue of how it swells… and that’s about all we know. For what it’s worth, his brother has said that he thinks there’s a chance he can go. But we just don’t know.

Of course, that’s led to a great deal of speculation as to how Andy Reid will handle things if Kelce can’t suit up. The question is primarily asked in some version of this question; How do the Chiefs replace Travis Kelce?

Here’s the answer: You don’t.

Kelce is one of one. He’s the most important non-Mahomes player on the roster (as I wrote when I ranked the Chiefs in levels of importance to this years Super Bowl run. Number 2? Chris Jones. Go figure). He plays the game in a way that is not only BETTER than other tight ends, but DIFFERENT than other tight ends. He has completely mastered the art of reading defenses and just… turning around at the perfect spot to provide a safe target.

There’s no replacing that in an offense (with all due respect to Majestic White Horse On A Sandy Beach Noah Gray, who we’ll talk about in a bit), and it would be foolish of Andy Reid to try. Andy Reid is not foolish.

So, if Kelce is unable to go (and with a long week following the home opener, an argument can be made that playing it safe here in Week 1 is the correct move), what could the Chiefs do to try and maintain their overall production? Similar to what we JUST did with Jones (it’s genuinely bananas that Kansas City might be missing their two best non-Mahomes players tomorrow), let’s talk about some things that I’d consider if I were Reid. None of them are foolproof, but there are a few changeups Reid could throw out there that could take the Lions by surprise.

These are ideas that could be used individually, or collectively. But given where the Chiefs are at in terms of personnel, I think they are the best bets if Kelce can’t play Thursday night.