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

Though it’s only been three games, it’s still a significant drop in production for the veteran tight end. His 8.6 yards per reception is a far cry from his career average of 12.5 — or even last year’s record of 10.6. His 2.7 receptions per game is a far cry from last year’s 6.2.

How can Kansas City get him more involved?

“Yeah, it’s crazy, because teams still have — the respect they have for Travis is just unreal,” 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 beauty of him: he wants to make an impact on the game, but he also wants to win at the end of the day.”

Kelce also needed some time to warm up last year, as he caught 17 passes for 155 yards with two TDs in his first three games. But receiver Rashee Rice is the clear go-to receiver for Kansas City, as he has 24 catches for 288 yards with two TDs. Kelce ranks second with eight catches and third with 69 yards.

Still, Mahomes said he would get the ball to the 87th hole.

“I’m going to do my best to keep getting him the ball when he’s there, when he’s open,” Mahomes said. “But I think the more Rashee plays, the more we can run the ball, the more we can get (Xavier) Worthy involved, that’s going to open Travis up more.

“I mean, people are really trying to take him away and that opens up other guys.”