The Kansas City Chiefs head coach, 66, consistently stood by his tight end despite early season struggles.

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Andy Reid has consistently stood by Travis KelceCredit: Getty

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Kelce, 35, struggled early on this seasonCredit: Getty

Earlier in the campaign there were suggestions that Kelce, 35, could even be benched by the Chiefs.

But Reid dismissed such ideas, and has since reaped the rewards.

Kelce produced a breakout performance as the Chiefs beat the Raiders 27-20 in Las Vegas last weekend.

Following Thursday’s practice, Reid was full of praise for Kelce.

“It’s been great to get him going,” he said. “He’s one of the great ones.

“You might slow him down a minute but not for very long.”

Despite some of Kelce’s more underwhelming early performances, the two-time reigning champions have still started the season 7-0.

They will look to extend that to eight when they host the 4-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football.

Back in September, Reid was asked directly about the possibility of benching Kelce.

At the time, he was having none of it.

“The defenses don’t think that.

“We have another receiver opposite him that has a lot of yards and catches.

“That’s how this thing goes. Trav is fine. He just keeps being Trav.

“He works his tail off and he hasn’t lost a step. He’s not distracted.

“That’s not the case. They are making sure he’s taken care of.”

Ahead of Monday night’s game, Reid previewed the Week 9 match-up.

“Look forward to the challenge of playing Tampa Bay,” he began.

“They’re a heck of a football team.

“Well coached, so I’m looking forward to bringing them in here to  Arrowhead Stadium, we know we’ll have a great crowd there.”