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KANSAS City has made a big decision on how to address their wide receiver problems – but there is hope for Rashee Rice.
The Chiefs saw their electric sophomore Rice go down with a knee injury in the Week 4 win at the Los Angeles Chargers.
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And that injury has left them severely depleted at receiver again.
Patrick Mahomes was already missing free agency signing Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown.
And tight end superstar Travis Kelce has so far struggled to find his best in 2024.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport said on Sunday that the Chiefs are “eyeing potential wide receiver trades.”
They currently have to lean on rookie Xavier Worthy as well as Mecole Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Rapoport added that the Chiefs’ willingness to trade isn’t solely down to Rice’s availability.
There is some hope the wide receiver will not need surgery and could return this season.
Rice is set to travel to Dallas, Texas this week to see a respected surgeon, Rapoport and Fox’s Jay Glazer reported.
Speaking on Fox NFL Sunday, Glazer said, “He flies down to Dallas Tuesday and he’s having exploratory-type surgery on his knee.
“He’s having an exam on his knee- they’re going to look at his ACL, LCL and the hamstring.
“If he needs surgery on something, he could be done for the year.
“But if they find he doesn’t need surgery, he could be back in six weeks.”
Rapoport also confirmed the optimism – saying there was a “glimmer” of hope Rice could still play in 2024.
He was injured on a play when he collided with Mahomes after they both tried to stop an interception from becoming a pick-six.
Kansas City announced a roster move Friday which could have ramifications for Kelce.
Chiefs injury crisis
Patrick Mahomes lost another offensive weapon to injury in the Week 4 win in Los Angeles
The Chiefs saw wide receiver Rashee Rice taken off on the back of a medical cart at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Kansas City was already without free agency signing wide receiver Hollywood Brown (shoulder) and starting running back Isiah Pacheco (fractured fibula).
Both are set to miss large parts of the 2024 NFL season.
Speaking after Sunday’s win over the LA Chargers sent them to 4-0, Mahomes said, “All we can do now is go back to the basics and try to get guys opportunities to succeed.
“The guys stepped up and filled in as good as they can the role that Rice has in our offense, which is a big one.”
The Chiefs decided to sign Jody Fortson to their 53-man roster after promoting him from the practice squad.
Kelce recorded seven catches for 89 yards in the 17-10 win at the Chargers in Week 4.
It was by far his best performance of the season.
Despite the offensive struggles, Kansas City has began the season 4-0.
They are aiming to become the first team ever to win three straight Super Bowls.
