The touchdown drought is over for Travis Kelce.
The Chiefs tight end, 35, caught a touchdown pass for the first time this season during Sunday’s AFC West clash against the Raiders in Las Vegas.
Kelce caught a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes on a third-and-goal in the second quarter to give the Chiefs a three-point lead.
The Chiefs led the Raiders at halftime, 14-10.
Kelce had gotten off to a slow start this season, catching just eight passes for 69 yards over the Chiefs’ first three games.
But he got more involved in Week 4 against the Chargers, catching seven passes for a season-high 89 yards as second-year wide receiver Rashee Rice went down with a knee injury.
Kelce then had season-highs with 10 targets and nine catches in Week 5 against the Saints, finishing with 70 yards.
His production dropped in last week’s Super Bowl rematch against the 49ers, tallying four receptions for 17 yards in the Chiefs’ 28-18 win.
Despite the ongoing chatter about Kelce’s quiet start, his teammates have had his back.
Before the Chiefs-Chargers matchup on Sept. 29, Rice and members of Kansas City’s receiving corps wore T-shirts in support of Kelce, with CBS Sports Tracy Wolfson reporting that Rice “got them for all the WRs to honor their leader and a guy who has mentored all of them especially Rice.”
Kelce’s somber sideline appearance in Atlanta dominated headlines after Week 3, with sports media talking heads questioning his dedication to the game amid off-field endeavors.
The Chiefs, currently chasing their third straight Super Bowl win, have not lost faith in their All-Pro tight end, believing additional coverage from opposing defenses has been a factor in his lack of production.
Kansas City is seeking its seventh straight win of the early 2024 season.