Andy Reid clarifies the alleged absence of his star, Travis Kelce

For Andy Reid, starting the 2025 NFL season with two straight losses was far from normal. The Kansas City Chiefs knew they needed to act quickly to correct their course.

They began by regaining rhythm in their matchup against the New York Giants, and by the time they faced the Baltimore Ravens, the team looked rejuvenated and dominant on both sides of the ball. Still, one lingering concern among fans has been the apparent reduced presence of tight end Travis Kelce. Reid, however, has made it clear that there is no cause for alarm.

Kelce’s supposed decline in production
Through the first four games of the season, Kelce has been on the field for only 66 percent of the Chiefs’ offensive snaps. For a player who has long been the cornerstone of Kansas City’s passing attack, that figure stands out. But according to Reid, the decision is entirely strategic and not due to any physical setback.

That’s probably a good area. I thought he (Travis Kelce) really played well in both the run and pass game. He looked strong all the way through. He’s in great shape right now,” Reid explained during a recent press conference.

The head coach emphasized that the reduced workload is designed to conserve Kelce’s energy for the games that matter most: the postseason.

He came back, and he’d really trained hard and aggressively for this thing. He’s such a big part of it. Not only his effort, but the mentality he comes into these games with. He’s all in all the time. He gets mad at me, but it’s my responsibility to make sure that we don’t get too many reps in there, that we get him at least a blow here and there. He’d play every play if he had his choice,” Reid added. The message is clear: the Chiefs are prioritizing long-term performance over short-term volume.

A call for discipline from Jawaan Taylor

While Kelce’s situation is carefully managed, Reid also addressed another pressing matter involving offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor.

Taylor has been flagged more than any other Chiefs player this season, drawing seven penalties that have cost Kansas City valuable yardage. With the team set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars -Taylor’s former team- Reid preemptively reminded his lineman to remain focused.

It’s home, and he did play there. I’m sure it’ll be emotional for him that way. He knows that he’s got to focus in on not being too quick off the ball… He’s worked hard at that.

Reid said.

The Chiefs cannot afford such mistakes, particularly as they attempt to solidify momentum after their shaky start. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy echoed the head coach’s concerns.

Well, speaking to the obvious, the penalties, that can’t happen. And so that’s where we’re at. We’ve made it loud and clear. Jawaan knows that. He understands it. It’s something that, especially in a moment like that, in that game when things are a little bit off kilter now with the personnel, and you start to move the ball, you have a couple positive plays, and then boom, a penalty or a second.

Some Andy Reid notes from today

-everyone will practice today

-says there’s been an emphasis for his team on ball security and limiting turnovers, will be heightened with a potential weather game in Jacksonville

-says this game will be emotional for Jawaan Taylor as it’s… pic.twitter.com/janPSZQgeC

— Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) October 2, 2025

For Reid, balancing the preservation of stars like Kelce with demanding discipline from players like Taylor is essential as the Chiefs seek to reestablish their championship-caliber identity.