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Kansas City Chiefs face a potential offensive setback ahead of Week 6 after Rashee Rice missed consecutive practices with a hamstring injury.
The star wide receiver left the team’s Week 4 game against the Las Vegas Raiders after suffering the injury. Although the Chiefs had a bye the following week, updates on his recovery have not been encouraging.
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Kansas City offered few details on its top receiver during the bye. The situation grew more concerning on Wednesday when the team confirmed Rice did not practice. Thursday brought no improvement.
Rashee Rice raises concerns after missing two practices
The Chiefs’ Thursday injury report listed Rice as a non-participant for the second straight day. Several other players were limited:
“Josh Simmons, L’Jarius Sneed and Peter Woods had limited participation in today’s practice. Rashee Rice did not practice,” the team announced on social media.
Kansas City has not yet confirmed whether Rice will be available for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Missing two consecutive practices with a soft-tissue injury, however, significantly raises doubts about his availability.
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Rice’s potential absence would be even more problematic if Tyquan Thornton is also sidelined. Thornton has been one of the Chiefs’ primary deep threats.
In the game against the Raiders, Xavier Worthy and Thornton accounted for virtually all of the production among wide receivers. No other wideout recorded a catch. The rest of the passing game leaned heavily on tight ends Travis Kelce and Noah Gray, along with running backs Emmett Johnson and Kenneth Walker II, who combined for just 12 receiving yards.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis KelceLAPRESSE
If Rice is unable to play, Kansas City could turn to Jalen Royals and Cyrus Allen. Allen stood out during training camp and the preseason. Another option for head coach Andy Reid would be increased use of two-tight-end formations, leveraging the experience and reliability of Kelce and Gray to offset the thinner wide-receiver group.
Rice’s status remains under evaluation. Friday’s injury report will be critical in determining whether the receiver can suit up or whether the Chiefs will need to adjust their offensive plan against the Chargers.