Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season with a knee injury.
The Chiefs placed Rice on the injured/reserve list, but it appears the star receiver's absence will extend beyond the four-week minimum.
We have placed WR Rashee Rice on Reserve/Injured. pic.twitter.com/viUE50DLbV
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 3, 2024
Rice emerged as Kansas City's WR1 in his rookie year, plucking 78 passes out the sky for 938 yards and seven scores. He figured to eclipse those numbers in a big way in 2024. And through three games, he did just that — Rice racked up 24 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns prior to Sunday's matchup with Los Angeles.
Here's what you need to know about Rice's status going forward.
Rashee Rice injury update
There were originally conflicting reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL insider Ian Rapoport, but the two news breakers eventually landed on the same outcome for Rice.
The 24-year-old is set to undergo surgery on his LCL and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
Sources: While #Chiefs star WR Rashee Rice’s season is expected to be over, he did receive positive news today from Dr. Dan Cooper.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 7, 2024
Rice needs his LCL repaired, but there is a chance that’s the only ligament to be repaired. He’s expected to make a full recovery. pic.twitter.com/x5m2ee1Xb6
Even though that is bad news for the Chiefs, Rice did receive good news about the long-term status of his knee injury.
"LCL repairs like Chiefs WR Rashee Rice is measured in months — potentially three months," Rapoport added in another report. "But if the surgery [on Oct. 8] confirms that's the only damage — if his ACL does not require reconstruction, that's excellent news. He should be healthy enough for next season."
The second-year pass-catcher crumbled to the turf after absorbing a shot from Patrick Mahomes while attempting to dislodge the ball out of Kristian Fulton's grasp during an interception return. He exited the game shortly thereafter, with Andy Reid claiming that Rice's injury was "not good."
That broad diagnosis from Reid ended up being accurate, with Rice ruled out for the season just over one week later.
Chiefs WR depth chart
The Chiefs' WR room has gotten slimmer and slimmer over the course of the season, with injuries to Rice and Hollywood Brown taking much of the luster out of the top-end of Kansas City's pass-catching options. Here's a look at how things stand following Rice's latest setback:
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Xavier Worthy |
| 2 | Justin Watson |
| 3 | JuJu Smith-Schuster |
| 4 | Skyy Moore |
| 5 | Mecole Hardman |
The Chiefs also kept Nikko Remigio, Justyn Ross and Montrell Washington on their practice squad. Any of the trio could be called into action as Reid attempts to rally the troops in the hopes of keeping Kansas City's undefeated start alive.
1. Xavier Worthy
Worthy, Kansas City's first-round pick, should get a chance to take on the challenge of being WR1 with Rice and Brown on the mend. He's a speedster, having famously broken John Ross' 40-yard dash record in last year's combine.
The Texas alum has gotten off to a slower start to his big-league career than he might've hoped for. But Reid and Co. seem more willing to give him chances. Just last week, Worthy streaked to the end zone and reeled in a lengthy Mahomes touchdown pass, the second of his professional career.
There are certainly elements of Worthy's game that needs to be refined. Nevertheless, speed is a game-changer in the NFL. And Worthy has that in abundance.
Much like Watson, Worthy is a speedster. He offers more upside than Watson long-term and
2. Justin Watson
Much like Worthy, Watson figures to see a big uptick in touches in Rice's absence. The 6-2, 215-pound wideout impressed in spot minutes in 2023 racking up 27 catches for 460 yards and three touchdowns. He's blessed with strong speed, an attribute that could prove useful given Mahomes' throwing prowess. Watson only has six catches in the first four weeks of the year. Expect that number to grow exponentially in the coming few games.
3. JuJu Smith-Schuster
Smith-Schuster's best days are long gone, but he still can offer a steady option for sides looking for a slot receiver. He only has two catches on the year — one of which went for a touchdown. Nevertheless, the 27-year old is well aware of Reid's offensive setup and, more specifically, his role within it. That could bode well for his chances to shine while Rice is away.
4. Skyy Moore
Moore has struggled since entering the league, failing to establish himself as the dynamic slot receiver the Chiefs had hoped for then they made him their second-round selection in 2022.
Through two years, the 5-10, 195-pound playmaker has logged 43 catches, 494 yards and a touchdown. He's yet to play a meaningful down this year. Unless something drastic happens, it's unlikely Moore will have too big of a part to play, even as Kansas City attempts to get clever to replace Rice's production.
5. Mecole Hardman
Hardman finds himself in a similar position to that of Moore. The former second-rounder has failed to make good on his potential thus far. If recent trends are any indication, he won't get the chance to do so in Kansas City; he hasn't caught a ball yet and only had 14 receptions in six games last year.
