In three games, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has made just eight catches on 12 attempts for 69 yards. His catches resulted in four first downs.

Even though it’s only been three games, it’s still a significant drop-off for the veteran tight end. His 8.6 yards per reception are well below his career average of 12.5 — or even below last year’s average of 10.6. His 2.7 receptions per game are well below last year’s 6.2.

How can Kansas City involve him more?

“Yeah, it’s crazy because teams still have — the respect they have for Travis is just unbelievable,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after Sunday’s 22-17 win over the Falcons. “It’s well-deserved, but we call a lot of plays for Travis, and it’s like two or three people go to him. So, I mean, he gets it.”

“I think that’s the great thing about him: He wants to influence the game, but at the end of the day he wants to win.”

Kelce also took a while to warm up last year, catching 17 passes for 155 yards and scoring two touchdowns in his first three games. But receiver Rashee Rice was Kansas City’s clear favorite, catching 24 passes for 288 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Kelce is second with eight catches and third with 69 yards.

Still, Mahomes said he would take the ball to number 87.

“I’m going to do my best to get him the ball whenever he’s there, whenever he’s free,” Mahomes said. “But I think the more Rashee plays, the more we can run the football, the more we can get (Xavier) Worthy involved, that’s going to give Travis more opportunities.”

“I mean, people are putting a lot of emphasis on taking him out, and that makes room for other guys.”