Kansas City Chiefs deploy unusual and 'comical' play amid offensive injuries

Andy Reid, the head coach of Kansas City Chiefs, has been forced to get inventive with his offensive strategies due to a spate of injuries.

The Chiefs have seen several key players sidelined with serious injuries in the first five weeks of the season. Running back Isiah Pacheco is out for 6-8 weeks with a fractured fibula, and wide receiver Rashee Rice is said to be "unlikely" to return this season after a knee injury sustained in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Additionally, wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown is on injured reserve and expected to miss the entire regular season following a shoulder injury from the Chiefs' preseason opener.

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With key players out, Reid has looked to an unusual mix of talent to lead the offense . Before the Monday game against the New Orleans Saints, it was announced that four tight ends - Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Jared Wiley, and Jody Fortson - would be on the active 53-man roster.

The Chiefs wasted no time showcasing a four tight end formation, as Kelce, Gray, Wiley, and Fortson joined the field for a third down and 22 situation, just over four minutes before halftime.

ESPN's Joe Buck couldn't resist a lighthearted quip about the game's odd player line-up, remarking: "If you like tight end play, this is your game."

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The Chiefs' following move couldn't have been better executed. Right off the bat, quarterback Patrick Mahomes fired a quick pass to Kelce in the middle, who then edged toward the sideline before flicking a lateral to Samaje Perine. The seasoned running back seized the ball and dashed for an extra 15 yards, only to be taken down just shy of the first down marker.

The fans were quick to voice their opinions on social media about the Chiefs' unorthodox decision to deploy four tight ends in a single play, with one observing: "I have a feeling the 4 tight end set may be getting used more with how hurt the WR core is."

Regarding Kelces unexpected lateral, there was speculation over whether it was pre-planned or a spur-of-the-moment idea. As both sides left the gridiron after the first half's concluding whistle, coach Reid confided in ESPN's Lisa Salters that its a play they've practiced often.

"We do it every day in practice, so I can't tell you the name of it," was what he disclosed to Salters.

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