Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was carted off the field during the team’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Rice was attempting to make a tackle after an interception by Patrick Mahomes when Mahomes — also attempting a tackle — dove into Rice’s knee. Rice had a towel over his head as he was taken off the field and he was ruled out for the game with a knee injury.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Rice’s injury was “not good” in a brief sideline interview as halftime was starting.
A second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Rice is the Chiefs’ leading receiver so far this season. He entered Sunday with 24 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns — the only Kansas City receiver with more than 10 catches or 100 yards on the season through three games.
Rookie wideout Xavier Worthy — a first-round pick — should get an opportunity to contribute in Rice’s absence. He caught a 54-yard touchdown from Mahomes against the Chargers.
The Chiefs are already thin on offense after an injury to running back Isiah Pacheco. The team’s leading rusher from last season broke his fibula in Week 2 and was placed on injured reserve. Pacheco is not expected back until Week 8 at the earliest.
In the wake of Pacheco’s injury, Kansas City signed running back Kareem Hunt, who previously played with the team from 2017-18.
Rice led the Chiefs with seven touchdowns last season. He was second only to tight end Travis Kelce in receptions, targets and yards, finishing the year with 79 catches for 938 yards.
In April, Rice admitted to being the driver of a Lamborghini that was involved in an alleged hit-and-run in Dallas. He surrendered to Dallas police on April 11 after a warrant was put out for his arrest. The NFL opted not to put him on the commissioner’s exempt list, and is monitoring the outcome of his legal process.
