Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Lachie Rice will be out for at least the next four weeks, and possibly longer, after sustaining a severe knee injury in Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The injury occurred on an interception thrown by Patrick Mahomes. When Chargers cornerback Christian Fulton ran the ball behind him, Rice caught him from behind and stole the ball. At the same time, Mahomes made a low tackle in front of Fulton, and his right shoulder instead hit Rice’s right knee.
Replays showed Rice’s knee was bent the wrong way.
Rice had to be carted off the field, and it was reportedly feared he would tear his ACL (a season-ending injury). Four days later, the nature of the injury is still unknown, but the Chiefs placed him on injured reserve on Thursday, which will keep him off the field for at least the next four weeks.
Also Thursday, Mahomes talked about the fateful play and said, as expected, he didn’t feel good about his role in the WR1 injury.
“I didn’t realize it in the moment. I was more worried about trying to get the ball. But yeah, obviously just trying to make a play. That happens any time you try to make a tackle.”
“When I saw the replay, I felt really shitty that I hit Lachie. That’s it. I wasn’t really worried about myself. I was worried about his injury and it wasn’t that bad. ‘See, I was the one who hit him. ”
There were concerns that Lachie Rice may have suffered a torn ACL. His exact injuries are still unknown. (Jane Comin Once Image Image)
Through four games, Rice was the Chiefs’ stop with 24 receptions and 288 receiving yards. Despite some issues in the offseason, including a dangerous street racing accident, Rice continued on a strong pace following a promising rookie year. The rest of the season is currently uncertain.
With Rice sidelined, much of the receiving responsibility will fall on tight end Travis Kelce and rookie wideout Xavier Worthy as the Chiefs look for a three-peat.
