Photo Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Kansas City Chiefs will be without wide receiver Rashee Rice for Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers as he continues to recover from a right hamstring injury.
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed Friday that Rice will miss the Week 6 game after sitting out all three of Kansas City’s practices this week. The receiver sustained the injury during the Chiefs’ Week 4 comeback victory over the Las Vegas Raiders and did not return.
Reid left open the possibility of Rice returning next week when Kansas City faces the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football.
“He’ll be all right. You never know about these [hamstring injuries], but he’s a pretty fast healer,.” Reid said, adding that Rice has been eager to return to the field.
Chiefs Lose Another Key Receiving Target
Rice’s absence compounds Kansas City’s receiving concerns after Tyquan Thornton suffered a dislocated left ankle against the Raiders. The Chiefs placed Thornton on injured reserve earlier this week, leaving Patrick Mahomes without two of his leading wide receivers.
Rice and Thornton combined for 24 receptions on 31 targets for 409 yards and three touchdowns during Kansas City’s opening four games.
With both receivers unavailable, Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy are expected to shoulder more responsibility in the passing game. Young wideouts Jalen Royals, Cyrus Allen and Nikko Remigio could also see increased playing time.
Kansas City recently added veteran receiver Justin Watson to its practice squad to provide additional depth.
Mahomes expressed confidence in the younger receivers, saying they have prepared for opportunities and that the coaching staff will put them in positions to succeed.
Allen, who impressed during training camp, said he feels more comfortable in the offense and is preparing to make the most of his chances.
Josh Simmons Also Ruled Out
The Chiefs will also be without left tackle Josh Simmons against the Chargers. The 2025 first-round pick returned to practice Wednesday after missing nearly two months with a bulging disc in his lower back.
Simmons participated in all three practices this week, although he did not take part in team periods. Reid said the sessions were intended to help the tackle rebuild his conditioning and regain his fundamentals before returning to full action.
His continued absence leaves Kansas City without another important offensive contributor as it prepares for Sunday’s divisional matchup.
Despite the injuries, the Chiefs will look to maintain their undefeated start to the season. Rice’s potential return against Seattle would provide a significant boost, but Kansas City must first navigate the Chargers game with a depleted receiving group.
