Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is feared to have torn his ACL after a collision with quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Sunday, according to multiple reports.
The Kansas City Chiefs are anxiously awaiting the results of an MRI on Monday to confirm their worst fears: star receiver Rashee Rice could be done for the season after a big collision with quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Rice was knocked out of Sunday's game after Mahomes slammed into his right knee while going for a tackle on an interception. The initial concern was a torn ACL, and Rice's reaction to his injury, writhing in pain and with a towel over his face, seemed to confirm that.
Chiefs Receiver Rice Feared Out for Season After Collision With Mahomes
Chiefs coach Andy Reid told the CBS broadcast at halftime that the injury "not good," and after the game, he sounded bleak about his receiver's future for the 2024 season.
"I feel terrible for Rashee," Reid said. "… We will hope for the best."
Chiefs Receiver Rice Feared Out for Season After Collision With Mahomes
Rice is just one of several key players the Chiefs have lost to injury this season. Hollywood Brown suffered a season-ending injury before even taking a snap with his new team, and star running back Isiah Pacheco is out for weeks with a fractured fibula.
Rice's return to the field could also be delayed by off-the-field issues. He is awaiting trial on several charges stemming from a high-speed car crash in March on a Texas expressway and could face NFL discipline after the legal process.
Chiefs Receiver Rice Feared Out for Season After Collision With Mahomes
The loss of Rice would be a massive blow to the Chiefs' offense. The 26-year-old receiver has 288 yards on 24 receptions with two receiving touchdowns this season.
The Chiefs will have their MRI results confirmed on Monday, and they expect to have their diagnosis by the end of the day.
Rice's injury is the latest in a string of setbacks for the Chiefs, who are now 2-2 on the season. The team will need to find a way to replace Rice's production if they want to make a playoff run this year.
Rice's injury also raises questions about the Chiefs' long-term plans at the wide receiver position. Rice, Brown, and Mecole Hardman are all set to become free agents after the season, and the Chiefs could be looking for a new top target in the offseason.
For now, the Chiefs are focused on getting Rice back on the field as soon as possible. But with the severity of the injury, it's unclear when that will be.
In the meantime, the Chiefs will have to rely on other receivers to step up, including JuJu Smith-Schuster, Skyy Moore, and Justin Watson. The Chiefs will also need Mahomes to continue playing at a high level, as he has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season.
The Chiefs' next game is against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. It will be a tough test for the Chiefs, but it's one that they will be confident in winning if Mahomes can stay healthy and the offense can find a way to replace Rice's production.
