Travis Kelce set for surprise new role as 'dynamite' Kansas City Chiefs plan revealed

Travis Kelce's backup role with the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the 2024 NFL season has been revealed, with the 34-year-old an option on special teams.

Kelce has played in the Chiefs' first two preseason games , and the tight end won't be giving up his starting spot and targets from superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes anytime soon. However, Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub has revealed Kelce's backup role.

"See, Kelce's our backup long-snapper," Toub said to reporters on Tuesday. "During the regular season, I can throw him in there and he's dynamite, does a great job."

Toub was asked about the team's starting long snapper James Winchester. The 35-year-old hurt his shoulder in last weekend's game versus the Detroit Lions, returned for the second half - but was replaced by tight end Noah Gray.

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The reigning Super Bowl champions did make a pickup in free agency, though, which could mean Kelce won't play in the role during the upcoming regular season. The Chiefs signed Randen Plattner, who was at the Baltimore Ravens.

Kelce and Co. have hopes of completing an NFL-first three-peat having defended the Vince Lombardi Trophy last season at Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas. Mahomes has faith in the Chiefs making history - but legendary New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has shed light on some concerns.

"I think the bigger issues are going to be on defense," Belichick said on the Pat McAfee show. "Look, they played very well in the playoffs, so that's where it counts and that's the most important thing. But overall as a team, run defense, turnovers - I think that's an area they're going to want to improve in.

"I just think this third year, for it all to fall into place three years in a row is tough," continued Belichick. "If anybody can do it, it's probably Kansas City, but it won't be easy."

The Chiefs were beaten by potential Super Bowl rivals, the Lions, 24-23. "I think you've been able to see the growth," head coach Andy Reid said. "We've added a ton in the last few days up here. The guys have digested it and been able to spit it back - retain it. That has been a positive. And then maybe most of all getting yourself in football shape, kind of re-amping up to our first game.

"We still have a couple of weeks ahead of us here ´til that all takes place," Reid added. "But we´ll keep working on it. We're not ready yet, but we'll keep working and sharpening ourselves up to play. I appreciate the attitude the guys have had."