KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Optimism regarding the right knee of Rashee Rice continued spreading Wednesday with Patrick Mahomes telling reporters “hopefully we have him back soon.”
Mahomes made the remark during an interview session with local Chiefs beat writers. When asked how the team will replace the production of Rice, Mahomes displayed an optimistic tone regarding Rice and the potential return of receiver Hollywood Brown.
“I think the best thing about coach (Andy) Reid is he’s done it with a lot of guys before, and so I have the trust that he’s going to be able to get that production back, and then hopefully we get Rashee back as time goes on, and maybe even Hollywood, we can just keep adding to the offense.”
Chiefs athletic trainers and medical staff feared Rice tore his ACL after colliding with Mahomes during Sunday’s win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mahomes attempted to make a sliding tackle on Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton after an interception while Rice poked the ball out of Fulton’s hands. Mahomes crashed into Rice’s planted tight leg, causing the knee to hyperextend.
Further testing, however, has prompted a glimmer of optimism that Rice will not miss the entire season as initially feared. Rice is seeking a second opinion while the player and the club consider options and alternatives. The timeline for Rice’s return remains uncertain. Reid won’t speak to the media until Thursday morning’s press conference ahead of the team’s first practice this week in preparation for hosting the New Orleans Saints on Monday night.
Rice won’t play against the Saints. The second-year receiver leads the Chiefs with 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Replacing that production will “come from a lot of guys,” Mahomes said.
“It’s not even just in the receiving room, but in the tight end room, the running back room, everything,” Mahomes explained. “It’s hard to replace that production with just one guy. I mean, he’s a special type of receiver the way he’s able to run with the football after the catch and then still run routes and catch the ball downfield as well.”
Mahomes said other pass catchers will need to step up in Rice’s absence. He’s also expecting more opportunities for rookie receiver Xavier Worthy on different routes.
“You’ll see guys like JuJu (Smith-Schuster) and Justin Watson and Noah Gray and really a lot of guys that are going to come in and make plays,” Mahomes said “We’re gonna have to give Worthy more chances, kind of across the field and underneath.”
Brown has yet to play for the Chiefs during the regular season after a sternoclavicular dislocation during a preseason game at Jacksonville required surgery, landing him on injured reserve. The club hopes Brown may be able to return in January during the postseason.
