Travis Kelce gave Noah Gray a huge shout-out for stepping up in the Chiefs’ Saturday game. With Kelce praising Gray’s emergency performance,

Chiefs tight ends combined for five catches and 37 receiving yards Saturday in KC’s 24-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 11: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with his teammate Noah Gray #83 of the Kansas City Chiefs following the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Those aren’t eye-popping numbers but the tight ends had a big day for a variety of reasons. Travis Kelce’s lone catch came on a behind-the-back pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes that had the league buzzing. Irv Smith Jr. caught two passes for 11 yards, rookie Baylor Cupp had a 12-yard reception and Jared Wiley, another rookie, had a 6-yard reception. Noah Gray wasn’t targeted, but he was singled out by Kelce for the extra work as a long-snapper when James Winchester was temporarily out. Kelce, who had high praise for Gray.

“Obviously, Noah doing it all and even today getting in a few long snaps,” Kelce said in a sideline interview during the game. “I don’t even think I’ve seen him long-snap before in my life. And he goes in there and he gets two punts off and a field goal from about 40 yards.” It was actually a 56-yard field goal by Harrison Butker and a punt, but that only makes Gray’s effort all the more impressive. Kelce gave a shout-out to coach Andy Reid, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and tight-end coach Tom Melvin for prioritizing the tight ends.