The Kansas City Chiefs were hoping for some good news coming out of the bye at wide receiver. After watching both Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton leave with injuries in the team's Week 4 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders, a bye allowed everyone to rest and recuperate, which gave at least Rice the chance to rebound for Week 6. Alas, things aren't trending that way after another day of practice.
On Thursday, the Chiefs were back at practice in preparation for hosting the Los Angeles Chargers and Rice was observing for the second day in a row. If he's not even able to make a go of it in limited capacity, it's hard to imagine Kansas City pushes him to be available for Sunday afternoon.
Rashee Rice's hamstring injury looked minor at first
RIce first injured his hamstring in the first quarter versus the Raiders after catching a short pass near the sidelines. The non-contact injury was troubling at first glance as he struggled to get out of bounds and seek medical attention. However, Rice kept his helmet on and it seemed like he might be able to return with an initial injury designation of "questionable."
Rice was eventually taken back to the locker room and his status was downgraded. After the game, however, head coach Andy Reid described Rice's injury in minor terms—saying he "tweaked" it—which gave things a positive spin. Given the Chiefs' entrance into the bye in Week 5, it made sense for fans to believe Rice might be available versus the Chargers.
Since Rice hasn't practiced on either Wednesday or Thursday, it's hard to imagine that he suits up on Sunday, but never say never. The Chiefs' Friday practice will hold the key. If Rice can even get a bit of work in, then it's possible a bit more rest into the weekend could help him recuperate in time. However, Chiefs fans (and fantasy football managers) shouldn't count on it.
Chiefs have several options to replace Rashee Rice
Without Rice, the Chiefs have a few choices of players to elevate from the practice squad for Sunday afternoon's game. Andrew Armstrong is the most obvious choice, since he felt like a potential active roster addition at preseason's end. Omari Evans is also around as a developmental player. But the Chiefs just signed veteran Justin Watson, who might leap to the front of the line if the team wants to bring back a very familiar face who can help provide a vertical threat after also losing Tyquan Thornton.
No matter who steps up, the truth is that the majority of any help will come from those already healthy on the roster. Xavier Worthy is much more important without Rice and Thornton in the passing game. Jalen Royals has a real chance to step up in Rice's absence as a player with an very similar profile. Rookie Cyrus Allen is waiting for his chance as well.
But as a volume target, Rice will be missed, and the most likely way K.C. will make up for it is in the aggregate. A few more targets for the running backs, a sprinkle of some extra for the tight ends, and the hope that Worthy and Royals can step up in one or two more key scenarios to help keep the offense moving. The window is still technically open, but the Chiefs are likely looking at Week 7 for Rice's return.
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