Mahomes acknowledges fear after he injured Rashee Rice
The Kansas City Chiefs are anxiously awaiting MRI results after a distressing incident in their latest victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, which could sideline star receiver Rashee Rice for the remainder of the season.
The accident occurred when quarterback Patrick Mahomes collided with Rice’s knee while attempting to make a tackle following an interception. Patrick Mahomes expressed his immediate concern post-game, reflecting on the moment of the collision.
“I didn’t know what happened to Rashee Rice as he went to try to make a tackle but realized ‘it wasn’t good.' He’s hoping test results come back better than it looked,” Mahomes stated, as reported by Lindsey Thiry on X, formerly Twitter.
Patrick Mahomes expresses fear over Rashee Rice injury
The incident took place in the first quarter after Mahomes was intercepted by the Chargers' Kristian Fulton. In an effort to mitigate the turnover's impact, Mahomes and Rice both moved to tackle Fulton. However, in a moment of misjudgment, Mahomes inadvertently struck Rice's right knee. The impact was severe enough that Rice was visibly in agony on the field and had to be assisted off before being carted to the locker room with a towel covering his face—a clear sign of the severity of his distress.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid didn’t sound optimistic when he spoke during halftime and post-game. “It’s not good,” Reid mentioned on the CBS broadcast. He later added, “I feel terrible for Rashee… We will hope for the best,” indicating a somber outlook for Rice’s immediate future this season.
The potential loss of Rice, suspected to have suffered a torn ACL according to multiple reports, adds to the Chiefs' growing list of injuries. With players like Hollywood Brown out for the season and Isiah Pacheco sidelined for several weeks due to a fractured fibula, the Chiefs’ offensive lineup is significantly weakened.
Rice’s absence would not only be felt on the field but could also be complicated by off-field issues. He is currently awaiting trial related to several charges from a high-speed car crash earlier in the year, which could lead to further disciplinary action from the NFL depending on the outcome.
The situation puts the Chiefs in a precarious position as they aim to maintain their competitive edge this season. The team has historically relied on its dynamic offense to dominate games, and adjusting to the absence of key players will test their depth and strategy.As the Chiefs and their fans hold their breath for the MRI results, the team’s resilience and adaptability are set to be tested in the coming weeks. The hope is that the news is more positive than anticipated, allowing Rice a chance for a quicker recovery and return to the field.