Chiefs' Rashee Rice Placed on IR with Knee Injury, Out at Least 4 Games

The Kansas City Chiefs placed wide receiver Rashee Rice on injured reserve, the team announced on Thursday.

Rice is now out for Kansas City's next four games, meaning that his earliest chance to return will be against the Denver Broncos in Week 10.

The 24-year-old suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of the Chiefs' 17-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Rice was examined by Kansas City's medical staff on the sidelines before he was eventually carted back to the locker room.

The injury occurred after he collided with Patrick Mahomes, as both players were attempting to make a tackle following an interception.

ESPN's Adam Schefter initially reported after the game that Rice was "feared" to have suffered a torn ACL, but it hasn't been confirmed since. The Chiefs consulted with team doctors and received a second opinion, with more tests to determine the extent of the injury and a recovery timeline upcoming (via ESPN's Adam Teicher).

"We'll get testing done and let you know," head coach Andy Reid said on Thursday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rice appeared to be in line for a breakout second season prior to the injury, hauling in 24 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns through three weeks. The former second-round pick was coming off a promising rookie campaign, racking up 938 yards and seven scores in 2023.

Kansas City's wide receiver room has dealt with multiple injuries this season, as Marquise Brown is reportedly expected to miss the remainder of the regular season with a shoulder injury.

With Rice now out for at least four games, the Chiefs will likely rely on several options to replace his production. Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Justin Watson should operate as Mahomes' top wide receivers.

Travis Kelce may also earn a larger role moving forward, as he recorded a season-high seven catches for 89 yards against the Chargers.

Without Rice, the Chiefs will attempt to improve to 5-0 in a Week 5 matchup with the New Orleans Saints on Monday.