NFL Rumors: Chiefs’ Rashee Rice Likely Out for Season Despite Positive Injury Update

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVOctober 7, 2024

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The Kansas City Chiefs received some news regarding wide receiver Rashee Rice’s status ahead of Monday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Rice “did receive positive news today” even though his “season is expected to be over.” Rapoport noted the receiver’s LCL may be the only ligament that needs to be repaired.

What’s more, ESPN’s Adam Schefter pointed out there is some “optimism” regarding the injury and its expected timeline:

Adam Schefter @AdamSchefterIt’s unlikely that Chiefs WR Rashee Rice will play again this season, but doctors will not know for sure until they perform surgery Tuesday morning, per source. https://t.co/wjb1RiEdfd

While missing Rice for the rest of the season isn’t the news the Chiefs were looking for, this could be a positive development for the receiver’s long-term future.

“If the surgery tomorrow confirms that’s the only damage—if his ACL does not require a reconstruction, that’s excellent news,” Rapoport wrote. “He should be healthy enough for next season.”

The setback to Rice is one of many Kansas City is dealing with on the offensive side of the ball.

Running back Isiah Pacheco is on injured reserve with a fractured fibula, while Marquise “Hollywood” Brown could miss the rest of the season because of a sternoclavicular injury that required surgery.

It is a credit to quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid that Kansas City is still 4-0 on the season and the only undefeated team in the AFC. But becoming the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls will not be easy with so much offensive firepower sidelined.

The Chiefs will need to rely even more on star tight end Travis Kelce. They also have Xavier Worthy and JuJu Smith-Schuster at wide receiver and a strong defense that should keep them in most games.

But the Rice injury is quite the blow, as he was expected to be the team’s No. 1 option at wideout throughout the campaign as Kansas City chases another Lombardi Trophy.