NFL
Rashee Rice’s injury update: Will the Chiefs’ WR be back for the playoffs?
After their impressive victory against the Saints on Monday Night Football, Kansas City also disclosed the status of their star WR’s injury status.
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for their bye week after defeating the New Orleans Saints in the week 5 Monday Night Football game, they are also solving the situation about the major uncertainty surrounding their rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice. The young standout is set to undergo a knee procedure on Tuesday, which could keep him sidelined for this season, per doctor’s projections.
What are the updates on Rashee Rice’s knee injury?
Rookie wide receiver Rice was injured in a Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 29 when quarterback Patrick Mahomes inadvertently collided with his leg while attempting a tackle after throwing an interception.
Rice is set to meet today with Dr. Dan Cooper, the renowned surgeon and Dallas Cowboys team doctor, to address a knee issue that has raised concerns within the organization. The arthroscopic procedure will clarify the severity of the injury.
It is anticipated that Rice will miss the remainder of the 2024 season as he requires repair of his LCL. Still, there is optimism that this may be the only ligament needing surgery, as reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Monday. If the procedure confirms that the LCL is the sole damaged ligament and his ACL does not require reconstruction, the second-year WR should be out for approximately three months and able to return to health in 2025, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
There are several possible outcomes: if Rice’s knee is relatively stable, he could miss four to six weeks. However, if there is more extensive damage, particularly to the PCL or LCL, the recovery time could extend to four months. In the worst-case scenario, if ACL damage is detected, Rashee Rice may require reconstructive surgery, potentially sidelining him for nine months.
The Kansas City Chiefs won’t have Rice this season, so they need to find offensive solutions in free agency. DeAndre Hopkins of the Tennessee Titans is a potential target, and the Chiefs may pursue a cost-effective solution, similar to when they brought in JuJu Smith-Schuster.