Chiefs Rumors: Rashee Rice to Have Surgery on Knee Injury; 'Small Chance' of Return

There's a slight possibility that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will be able to return to the field before the end of the season.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday that Rice has a "small chance" of suiting up again in 2024. The 24-year-old currently has plans to undergo an arthroscopic procedure to help ascertain the damage in his knee, which will determine his potential availability moving forward.

Rice sustained the knee injury in the first quarter of Kansas City's 17-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4.

Following an interception, Rice and Patrick Mahomes collided while trying to tackle Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton. The former second-round pick was examined by Kansas City's trainers on the sidelines and eventually entered the locker room on a cart.

ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed on Saturday that the Chiefs intend to make a move at wide receiver in Rice's absence. Schefter also noted that the final determination of his status for the rest of the year could come "as early as Monday."

On Thursday, the Chiefs placed Rice on injured reserve.

"Rashee's had a phenomenal year," head coach Andy Reid said after Rice was placed on IR, per ESPN's Adam Teicher. "Unfortunately, in this league injuries happen, and life goes on, so we always expected the next guys to step up and roll, and it's no different now. There's not another Rashee. There [are] other guys, though, that are very, very good, so we'll be fine."

The former SMU standout appeared to be building upon an impressive rookie season in which he amassed 938 receiving yards in 16 games. Rice recorded 24 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns through his first three appearances in 2024.

Kansas City should still be able to make a playoff push without him as the team attempts to win a third consecutive Super Bowl, sitting at 4-0 heading into Week 5. The potential addition of Rice before the postseason could help the Chiefs emerge from the AFC once again, though.

In the meantime, Mahomes will likely rely on several targets to replace his production including Xavier Worthy, Travis Kelce, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Justin Watson.