Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice sustained a knee injury and was carted off the field during the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The unfortunate incident folded when Rice and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes attempted to tackle Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton during his interception return.
The play that led to the injury happened after Mahomes’s pass intended for tight end Travis Kelce was intercepted by Fulton, who then returned it 29 yards. Rice punched the ball loose as Rice and Mahomes converged on Fulton near the Chiefs’ 20-yard line. However, Mahomes inadvertently collided with Rice’s legs in the ensuing chaos.
Although Chiefs center Creed Humphrey recovered the fumble, subsequent video review showed that Rice was out of bounds when he dislodged the ball, thus the Chargers retained possession. The impact appeared to hyperextend Rice’s right knee, prompting his removal from the game.
This loss is particularly significant for the Chiefs, as Rice has been a standout performer this season, amassing 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns. He ranks third in the NFL in receptions as of Week 4. With no other receiver on the team having more than nine catches, his absence poses a substantial challenge for the team.
Further compounding the situation, Rice is also dealing with legal issues stemming from a high-speed multi-vehicle accident last March in Texas. As the Chiefs gear up for their next game, fans and teammates alike are concerned about the impact of Rice’s injury on the remainder of their season.
