Rashee Rice was starting to look like one of the best receivers in football.
Then, in one fluky moment, he had a torn ACL and his 2024 season was over.
The Kansas City Chiefs are hoping that Rice can get back early this season after his Week 4 injury. But it remains to be seen whether he’ll be back for Week 1.
In a new Pro Football Focus breakdown by writer Ryan Smith, he speculates as to whether Rice can make it back.
“With OTAs underway, the Chiefs are expected to take a cautious approach to Rice’s recovery,” Smith writes. “If all progresses smoothly, he should be ramped up during training camp and could be ready to return at full strength by Week 1.”
Smith also explained why Rice is so important to Kansas City’s offense.
“At the time (of his injury), Rice led the NFL with 24 receptions and ranked second with 288 receiving yards, a breakout start that was abruptly cut short,” Smith writes. “The Chiefs still reached the Super Bowl, but their offense clearly lacked the same punch without Rice. As a unit, they finished just 15th in PFF receiving grade (75.3) and struggled to generate the explosive plays that have defined their identity in recent years.”
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The Chiefs added Jalen Royals in the draft, another speedster, but Rice is really the do-everything wideout that can be Patrick Mahomes’ most reliable target.
Kansas City doesn’t need him healthy Week 1. Their biggest concern will be making sure he’s fully fit before throwing him back out in game action.
The Chiefs are looking much further down the football calendar than the season opener. They want some Super Bowl revenge, and they want Rice there with them to make it happen.
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