Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4, putting his availability for the team's Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in question.
With the Chiefs coming off their bye, Rice's potential absence would be a major setback for Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City's offense.
Rice sustained the injury early in the game, grabbing his hamstring after pulling up during a catch-and-run just five plays into the contest. The setback adds to an injury-plagued start to his NFL career, which has also been marked by off-field issues.
Before his Week 4 injury, the 26-year-old led Kansas City's receivers with 13 catches and 190 receiving yards through the first three weeks.
Later in the same game, the Chiefs took another hit at wide receiver, as Tyquan Thornton landed on Injured Reserve after dislocating his ankle and undergoing surgery. With Thornton sidelined and Rice's status uncertain, Xavier Worthy stands out as Kansas City's top healthy receiving option heading into the divisional clash.
Here's the latest on Rice's hamstring injury, recovery timeline and outlook for Week 6 against the Chargers.
Rashee Rice injury update
Rice missed the Chiefs' practice Thursday, Oct. 15, for the second straight day.
The Chiefs star wide receiver also missed practice on Wednesday, Oct. 14, the team's first practice after their Week 5 bye. Rice is currently listed as questionable for Week 6.
Given the nature of his practice week, with two DNPs so far, Rice's status for Kansas City's game on Sunday is in doubt.
On Oct. 14, coach Andy Reid said, “As far as injuries go, Rashee (Rice) will be the only one that doesn’t go today. “Everybody else is scheduled to do something.”
When asked whether Rice will practice at all this week, Reid didn't rule that out.
“Yeah, we’ll just kind of see how it goes,” Reid said. “He’s actually feeling pretty good as he goes here, but we’ll see. I mean, those things you start dealing with hamstrings, it could be a week, could be two weeks. I mean, you don’t know. But I know he’s eager to get back in.”
Will Rashee Rice play this week?
As of Thursday, Oct 15, Rice's status for Week 6 remains unknown. He is currently listed as questionable. Friday's practice will likely determine whether he plays on Sunday. Rice will likely need to participate in some capacity to convince the coaches and training staff he is good to go.
Chiefs WR depth chart
Here's how the pecking order in the Chiefs wide receiver room currently shakes out:
- Rashee Rice (hamstring)
- Xavier Worthy
- Jalen Royals
- Cyrus Allen
- Nikko Remigio
- Andrew Armstrong (practice squad)
- Justin Watson (practice squad)
- Tyquan Thornton (IR)
Kansas City's wide receiver room is very thin heading into Week 6. The Chiefs currently have just four healthy wide receivers on their active 53-man roster.
Mahomes spoke with reporters Oct. 14, and addressed the status of his wide receiver room, particularly rookie Cyrus Allen and second-year wideout Jalen Royals.
"Just be ready; they've put in the work. They've had to put in the work at practice, and they've been doing that." Mahomes said. "Now when their number gets called, they're going to step into a role and do their job. I'm excited for them. We'll put them in position to succeed. I have a lot of trust in those guys, a lot of confidence in them."
Kansas City's offense has leaned heavily on the running game, led by Kenneth Walker III. Mahomes and the offense will likely lean even more on Walker and tight end Travis Kelce if Rice can't go.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rashee Rice injury update as Chiefs receiver misses practice again