Patrick Mahomes has stated that he never had any worries about Travis Kelce’s apparent fall-off. After a shaky start to the season, the Kansas City Chiefs’ tight bounced back and registered 90 yards in the win over the Los Angeles Chargers. However, Mahomes did confess he is worried about Rashee Rice.

Kelce has faced criticism through the first three games after having just 69 yards on eight catches, but he more than doubled that total in the win over the Chargers. Mahomes had previously stated that teams had planned to take him Kelce of the game – making the quarterback throw elsewhere. But the Chiefs’ QB knew the tight end would be ready when needed.

He said on Kelce‘s form: “I mean, I know he always has it. Whenever we need him he comes out and makes plays. I was happy for him.”

Kelce back to his best was much needed for the Chiefs after Rice was forced from the field early after Mahomes’ tackle caused him to go down in significant pain. There are fears of an ACL injury which would sideline him for the rest of the season. He is set to undergo tests on Monday to confirm the diagnosis.

‌Mahomes added: “Guys made plays today. We’ll see what happens with Rashee, hopefully we can get him back at some point this season. If not, other guys have gotta step up. That’s what football’s about and I think we’ve got a lot of good guys out there that can go out and make plays.”

Travis Kelce completing a play

Travis Kelce had seven catches for 90 yards in the win, and is likely to become Mahomes go-to option once again

‌Rice has been the Chiefs’ go-to receiver so far this season, coming into the week as fourth in the entire league for catches and receiving yards while looking set for a breakout season. But without him, Kansas City will be heavily relient on Kelce and rookie Xavier Worthy – who had a big touchdown in the second half to win the game.

After the game, former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said Rice’s injury will mean the team will lean on Kelce to carry the load as the go-to pass-catcher. He said: “I think it’s going to be critical they stay on the same page.”

Kansas City is now expected to explore the trade market to bring in a new wide receiver to replace Rice if he is out for the season, after already lost Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown, who was expected to be a starter with the team having been injured in preseason.

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