Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to the media on Monday for the first time coming out of the bye week, providing a new update on star WR Rashee Rice.
The second-year wideout underwent successful knee surgery and could theoretically return in time for the Super Bowl, though that remains an unlikely outcome.
Unfortunately, Reid’s comments seem to suggest the organization does not expect Rice to play again in the 2024-25 season, noting the recovery timeline would be similar to that of an ACL repair.
“It’s probably the same result you would get timewise for an ACL,” Reid said. “It takes a while…He’ll get into his rehab and get rolling on that.”
Through the first few weeks of the season, Rice established himself as one of the best receivers in the league. He caught 24 passes for 288 yards and two TDs in three games prior to the injury. With a potential suspension looming, it’s possible Chiefs fans don’t see Rice back on the field until the middle of next year.
It’s an unfortunate development, though all expect Rice to make a full recovery. Kansas City has problems on offense despite the undefeated record. Some expect a trade to come with a number of high-profile potential trade targets being thrown out, though JuJu Smith-Schuster’s breakout Week 5 game may give the coaching staff enough comfort to avoid a move.
Either way, it doesn’t look like Rice will be back in time for the Super Bowl. An ACL recovery is significantly longer than the four-month timeline initially suggested. Barring a miracle, his season appears to be ove