For Pete's Sake

Chiefs coach Andy Reid gives bleak assessment of Rashee Rice’s knee injury

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) congratulates wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) after Rice ran in a touchdown on a reception in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) congratulates wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) after Rice ran in a touchdown on a reception in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. ecuriel@kcstar.com

The Chiefs couldn’t have scripted a worse start to Sunday’s game against the Chargers at SoFi Stadium.

Their first drive ended with a Carson Steele fumble that was recovered by Los Angeles. The Chargers converted the turnover into a touchdown after a long drive.

On the Chiefs’ next possession, quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ errant throw was intercepted by the Chargers’ Kristian Fulton. As Fulton was returning the interception, Mahomes’ fifth of the season, Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice stripped the ball.

Unfortunately, Rice was hit by Mahomes, who was trying to make a tackle on the play. Rice left the field on a cart after suffering a right-knee injury. That was the report from CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson.

Rice appeared to be in tears as he left the field on the cart. This was a sad scene from SoFi Stadium.

At halftime, Chiefs coach Andy Reid was asked by Wolfson if he could provide any updates on Rice’s condition. Reid gave a bleak assessment.

“No,” Reid said, “but it’s not good.”

Teammate’s reaction

Chiefs defensive lineman Charles Omenihu, who has been working to return from an injury in last season’s AFC Championship Game, spoke for fans everywhere.

“God knows that double R CANT BE HURT,” Omenihu wrote on X.

He later added: “I’m sick I can’t lie.”

A doctor shared this on X about Rice. It’s speculation at this point as the Chiefs won’t be giving an update on Rice until after the game at the earliest..

This story was originally published September 29, 2024 at 3:59 PM.

Pete Grathoff
The Kansas City Star
From covering the World Series to the World Cup, Pete Grathoff has done a little bit of everything since joining The Kansas City Star in 1997.
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