Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is expected to return to the active lineup for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos after missing two weeks with a right hamstring strain.
Rashee Rice Returns to Chiefs Practice After Hamstring Strain
Rice participated in all three of the Chiefs’ practices throughout the week, clearing the final hurdle in his recovery from the injury sustained during Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders. His absence significantly impacted the team’s offensive production, leaving quarterback Patrick Mahomes without a single touchdown pass over the last two games. In his four appearances this season, Rice has recorded 13 receptions on 16 targets for 190 yards and a touchdown.
Patrick Mahomes Highlights Physical Value of Returning Target
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, quarterback Patrick Mahomes emphasized the tactical importance of getting their primary wideout back on the field. “He’s such a physical receiver,” Mahomes said. “He does a great job within the zone concepts at getting himself open, as well as being physical versus man [coverage]. Having him back out there will be big for us because it’ll help take some pressure off the other guys to make plays and let them go out there and be themselves.” Without Rice last week against the Seattle Seahawks, the receiving corps of Xavier Worthy, rookie Cyrus Allen, Justin Watson, Andrew Armstrong, and Jalen Royals combined for just six catches totaling 39 yards in a loss.
1st and 10 · Kansas City ChiefsPatrick Mahomes (@PatrickMahomes) passes short right to Rashee Rice (@RiceRashee11) for 13 yards, touchdownhttps://t.co/ziI1YualJN
Rookie Cornerback Mansoor Delane Listed as Questionable for Sunday
While the offense receives a boost, the Chiefs’ secondary faces uncertainty regarding rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane. Listed as questionable due to a right shoulder injury, Delane missed practice on both Thursday and Friday. Delane originally suffered the injury—a hairline fracture in his scapula—during the offseason, which caused him to miss mandatory minicamp in June. He aggravated the issue just three snaps into the season-opening win against Denver, leading him to miss Week 2.
Head Coach Andy Reid Weighs In on Defensive Statuses
Kansas City head coach Andy Reid stated after Friday’s practice that he remained uncertain about whether Delane would be available for Sunday’s rematch against the Broncos, telling reporters, “We’ll just see how he does here going forward.” On a more positive note for the defense, rookie defensive end R Mason Thomas missed Friday’s workout due to a personal reason, but Reid confirmed the team expects him to travel and play, noting, “He’ll meet us there in Denver.”
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