What happened to Rashee Rice? Chiefs WR carted off the field after taking hit vs Chargers
Rashee Rice injured his knee in a freak play during the first quarter of the Chiefs' game against the Chargers. Patrick Mahomes threw an interception on a long pass attempt and the Los Angeles defender Kristian Fulton had a clear field in front of him to return it. As he did so, a variety of Kansas City players tried to block him, and the wide receiver managed to extend a hand to knock the ball loose.
At the same time, Patrick Mahomes was trying to block the cornerback from gaining more yards but managed to barge into Rashee Rice instead. His right knee was hyperextended and he was immediately in pain and needed medical attention.
Eventually, he was carted off the field to the locker room. The wide receiver was initially listed as questionable to return but after he was taken to the X-ray room, it was reported that he was out for the game.
Rashee Rice's injury against Chargers is another hole in Chiefs' offense
Rashee Rice's injury was most unfortunate but what will worry is that he was downgraded to out after a quick look in the X-ray room. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have shown that it is never too early to count them out, especially after they won the Super Bowl last year without a star receiver.
But the offensive injuries are now adding up for Kansas City. Marquise Brown, whom they signed this offseason to add an offensive weapon, is out for the regular season. He suffered a shoulder injury and subsequently required surgery.
Star running back Isiah Pacheco has been a vital cog for the Chiefs and added a running threat in each of their last two seasons that culminated in Super Bowl victories. He fractured his fibula and he might be out for up to eight weeks, even possibly missing the rest of the regular season.
If Rashee Rice is out for an extended duration, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes will have to plan without two starting wide receivers and their starting running back. The head coach refused to give any update during his halftime sideline interview but ominously stated,
"It's not good."
But the good news is that the Chiefs are not looking likely to miss the playoffs, having got off to a 3-0 start. If they make the postseason, as expected, then they will have the experience from previous years and many of their star players returning right in time to contribute for another deep playoff run.