Rashee Rice has been the Kansas City Chiefs' top pass catcher during the 2024 NFL season. The star wide receiver may be sidelined for the remainder of the year, however, after being carted off the field early in Sunday's Week 4 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. Rice is feared to have suffered a torn ACL, though according to ESPN, there remains uncertainty about the extent of the injury and more tests are required.
Rice was initially ruled questionable to return after receiving additional attention in the locker room, but soon got downgraded to out at the end of the first quarter. Coach Andy Reid told CBS' Tracy Wolfson later in the game that he doesn't know the severity of the injury, but added that it's "not good."
"I feel terrible for Rashee," Reid added after the win, confirming Rice will undergo an MRI on Monday. "We will hope for the best." The coach clarified Monday that he doesn't have a "definite" diagnosis of the wide receiver's ailment, with Rice still undergoing additional tests, but confirmed the second-year veteran will miss Week 5.
Rice on Wednesday posted a cryptic update on his Instagram story that can be read as "the lord" providing him either the strength to overcome a serious injury or the strength to have avoided one.
Rice appeared to suffer his injury while colliding with Mahomes, who was also trying to bring down the defender following the first-quarter turnover, which helped Los Angeles to an early 10-0 lead over the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Rice entered the game with 24 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns on the season, one year after starring as Mahomes' top downfield target as a rookie. He's not the only notable Chiefs weapon to suffer a significant injury early this season, with running back Isiah Pacheco and fellow wide receiver Marquise Brown both on injured reserve (IR); the latter is also expected to miss most of the remainder of 2024.