Chiefs’ Rashee Rice to Have MRI on Knee Injury After Being Carted Off vs. Chargers

Andrew PetersSeptember 29, 2024

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice is feared to have a torn ACL after suffering a knee injury during Sunday’s 17-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Rice was carted off the field in the first quarter after sustaining a knee injury while trying to make a play after an interception. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported he’s out for the remainder game.

Head coach Andy Reid later told Tracy Wolfson on the CBS broadcast that while he can’t disclose the severity of Rice’s injury, he could say that it’s “not good,” per Pelissero.

After the game, Reid said Rice will have an MRI on Monday and the team isn’t expecting good news.

“I feel terrible for Rashee,” Reid said, per ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry. “We will hope for the best.”

Rice has been Kansas City’s most reliable receiver so far this season, racking up 288 receiving yards and two touchdowns through three games. He has more than 200 more receiving yards than the Chiefs’ second-leading receiver Xavier Worthy, who has 81 yards.

He’s also been Patrick Mahomes’ favorite target, picking up 24 receptions on 29 targets. He’s the only Chiefs’ receiver with 10 or more receptions.

With Rice potentially out for an extended period, Kansas City’s offense will take a major hit. It will look to Worthy, a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, to step up after he’s shown flashes of potential early this year.

The speedy receiver from Texas has had a limited role in the offense with just 11 targets, but he’s made the most of it when the ball comes his way. He’s also shown his versatility, lining up in the backfield and picking up 39 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.

The Chiefs will also need Travis Kelce to step up after a sluggish start to the year. The veteran tight end has just 69 receiving yards on eight receptions through three games, an uncharacteristic look from the nine-time Pro Bowler.

As a whole, Kansas City’s offense hasn’t been its usual self this year, but it’s been enough to start the season 3-0.