The latest update from Kansas City Chiefs coach, Andy Reid, has shed some light on the injury situation of star wide receiver Rice. Initial fears pointed towards a possible torn ACL, but after Rice underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on October 7th, coach Andy Reid clarified that the injury was not ACL-related. However, the news did little to improve Rice’s recovery outlook.
Reid explained that Rice’s injury involved the posterolateral corner of his knee. “It’s probably the same result, though, as you’d get time-wise for an ACL. It takes a while for that to come back. He’ll get into his rehab and get rolling on that as we go here,” Reid explained.
While Rice’s ACL and meniscus were not affected, the recovery timeline is still significant, likely resembling that of an ACL recovery. Rice is facing a three to four-month recovery process, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the 2023 season, even if the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl in February.
Prior to his injury, Rice had been having a breakout season, leading the NFL with 23 receptions. His absence is a major setback for the Chiefs’ offense, adding to their growing list of injured players. Wide receiver Hollywood Brown is also out for the rest of 2024 with a shoulder injury, while running back Isiah Pacheco’s return timeline remains uncertain after suffering a fibula injury in week 2.
The recovery timeline for Rice and how his absence will impact the Chiefs’ season is a cause for concern. The team will need to rely on other players to maintain their strong start as they aim for another successful playoff run. Rice himself remains focused on recovery, sharing a post-surgery photo on Instagram with the caption “Rise & Shine.”
Kansas City will have to adjust and adapt in the face of mounting injuries to key offensive players as they push forward in the season.
