Unsung Chiefs offensive weapon had a career day during Week 7 win over San Francisco 49ers

The Kansas City Chiefs offense may be struggling as a whole, but backup tight end Noah Gray is off to the best start of his career.

Gray tied a career-best four receptions and set a personal high 66 yards (nearly half of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' passing total) during Kansas City's 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7. He is already halfway to matching his career high of 28 catches in a season.

The Chiefs planned on Gray having an increased role on offense this year, locking him up to a three-year $18 million contract extension just before Week 1. Gray has been a jack-of-all-trades type of player since being drafted by K.C. in 2021. Not only is he a tight end, he plays some fullback and is a key piece of the Chiefs' special teams unit.

Gray has 73 career receptions for 759 yards and four touchdowns, also logging a rushing touchdown. It seems a though he'll have a good shot at setting new career highs in catches and receiving yards this year. With star tight end Travis Kelce not producing at his usual pace, Gray is stepping up at the right time.

Gray's role could expand even more as the season unfolds with wide receivers Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown being out for the season due to injuries. The Chiefs have embraced using 14 personnel (four tight ends) and have had a lot of success with it, scoring 54 points over their last two games.

Related: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes gives hard-hitting 49ers defender a taste of his own medicine