Standing on a 4-0 run, including a close call with the Bengals, the Chiefs are still in the race for another cup. However, no one would’ve thought things would get derailed this fast. While trying to connect for a fumble, Chiefs WR Rashee Rice’s right foot made strong contact with Patrick Mahomes, causing the knee to bend unusually. While fans had hoped that the verdict of the injury wouldn’t be too harsh on the Chiefs, it looks like luck wasn’t on their side. Rice has been marked out because of his torn ACL and this is not good news for Mahomes and Co.
Talking about this entire scene, Buffs WR Travis Hunter couldn’t stop himself from sympathizing with Mahomes. On the latest episode of The Travis Hunter Show, Hunter noted, “And the Chiefs, another injury….. They still need Rashee rice.” Hunter was visibly upset regarding the entire thing, and it is understandable why. Rice had become the go-to guy for Mahomes. Much like the entire Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter dynamic at the Buffs.
The Chiefs started the 2024 season slow. Travis Kelce is still having a hard time picking up pace, Marquise Brown is out of the season because of his SC joint dislocation, and Isiah Pacheco is suffering from a broken fibula. Amidst all this, Rice was the only beacon of hope for Mahomes and crew.
Racking up around 24 catches for 288 yards along with 2 touchdowns, Rice had a solid start to the season despite the entire offensive struggling. For now, we do know that Rice is going through tests on his knee which can give a final confirmation regarding the ACL. The good news for now is that one doctor had noted that Rice might not have torn his ACL and could possibly return.
Dr. Edwin Porras took to X to mention, “Rice likely avoided an ACL tear. This is why we confirm with imaging.” Mahomes and Co. have to wait around to find out what the MRI finally reveals. If there is no confirmation from the MRI regarding the ACL, there is a likelihood that it has not been completely ruptured. However, if the MRI does confirm the Chiefs’ worst fear then this season will get a whole lot harsher for Mahomes and Co.
An offense without Rashee Rice puts the Chiefs in dire straits
As we pointed out before, the Chiefs have already lost out on 2 important players; Brown and Pacheco. The likelihood of both of these guys returning to the game is very minimal. This entire thing signals the fact that the offense was already walking on thin ice even before Rice got injured.
The entire offense has barely managed to average around 328 yards per game. If we look at Mahomes’ record then this would probably be the worst year he has managed to pull ever since becoming the starting QB back in 2018. Rice and his presence in the game was a beacon in terms of coverage and exploiting holes in the defenses.
With the WR out of the race, the Chiefs’ empire could come crumbling down. While we do know that Kansas still has rookie WR Xavier Worthy as a replacement for Rice, how much Worthy can get done for the team is yet to be seen.
