THE Kansas City Chiefs have signed a new tight end to battle Travis Kelce for the starting spot.
The Chiefs have had a strong start to the 2024-25 NFL season, going unbeaten at 4-0.
They face the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday Night Football.
But Kelce has had a mixed start to the campaign, struggling and looking miserable for the first three games.
That led to calls for Andy Reid to bench the 34-year-old from disgruntled fans and analysts.
The Chiefs decided to stick with their Hall of Fame-bound star, who finally came good in Week 4.
He managed to make 89 yards off of seven catches against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Those stats at the SoFi Stadium were better than his three previous games combine.
But Reid clearly wants more depth in the position, should Taylor Swift‘s boyfriend have another dip in form.
They already have Noah Gray at tight end, who has had an impressive start to the year.
Now, the Chiefs have now decided to sign Jody Fortson to their 53-man roster.
He has been picked up off their practice squad, the team announced on Friday.
The 28-year-old rejoined Reid’s side last week after spending the offseason with the Miami Dolphins.
Fortson had been in training camp most of the summer with Mike McDaniel‘s team.
He has not appeared in a regular season NFL game since 2022.
The tight end had previously been with the Chiefs active roster and practice squad since 2019.
Chiefs injury crisis
Patrick Mahomes lost another offensive weapon to injury in the Week 4 win in Los Angeles
The Chiefs saw wide receiver Rashee Rice taken off on the back of a medical cart at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Kansas City was already without free agency signing wide receiver Hollywood Brown (shoulder) and starting running back Isiah Pacheco (fractured fibula).
Both are set to miss large parts of the 2024 NFL season.
Speaking after Sunday’s win over the LA Chargers sent them to 4-0, Mahomes said, “All we can do now is go back to the basics and try to get guys opportunities to succeed.
“The guys stepped up and filled in as good as they can the role that Rice has in our offense, which is a big one.”
He then joined the Dolphins in free agency in March of this year.
Fortson has 14 receptions for 155 yards with four touchdowns in his 19 career games.
Chiefs fans reacted to the news on Friday afternoon, and were impressed with the signing.
One said on X: “This was a good move. The former WR now TE should be used on Monday Night Football.”
Another added: “Great moves! Excited to see TE Jody Fortson on the active roster.
“Solid additions to the team!”
