With just a day to go until their season-opener against the Detroit Lions, the Kansas City Chiefs should be all set as they look to try and defend their status as Super Bowl champions.
However, preparations have not been smooth, most notably on defence with defensive tackle Chris Jones yet to report to the team ahead of the 2023 season, and now the offense has been dealt with a major blow.
During a practice on Tuesday, star tight end Travis Kelce hyperextended his knee, making his status for the Thursday's game against the Lions uncertain.
While head coach Andy Reid did not give anything away in his reaction to the news, Chiefs fans will be nervous as to whether one of their star offensive names will line up at Arrowhead.
But if Kelce is unable to play against the Lions, how do Patrick Mahomes and his offense adapt to this major absence?
It's time for Noah Gray to step up
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It's very simple for the Kansas City Chiefs if Travis Kelce is unable to play: bring in the next man at tight end, and in this instance it's Noah Gray.
Gray is entering his third season with the Chiefs, but with a such a prolific player in the form of Kelce on the offense, the 24-year-old has found it difficult to break into the starting lineup.
But while Gray may not currently be a regular feature for the Chiefs, he has produced solid numbers so far, catching 35 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns in 33 games.
A starting berth against the Lions could be the opportunity Gray needs to show to Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid and the rest of the team that he can be a key player in this era of dominace from the AFC North franchise.
Utilise new look receiving corps
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes will look to share around the workload if he cannot rely on Travis Kelce on Thursday.
That means in addition to using tight end Noah Gray, wide receivers Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore and Marquez Valdez-Scantling will find themselves busy throughout the game.
They may not be the top tier pass catches which Chiefs fans have got accustomed to over recent years, but with Mahomes under centre, he has the ability to get the best out of his receiving corps.
Crucial game management from Patrick Mahomes
The absence of Travis Kelce will place extra pressure on quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Therefore, he will have to manage the game differently to how he has done in the past. Spread the ball around his offensive weapons, help them gain confidence and get control of the game early. If the Lions get a sniff that all is not well with the Chiefs, they will pounce.
But while being without a major weapon in Kelce will be a hinderance to Mahomes, this is a chance for him step up and further cement his leadership credentials.