Although the injury isn't as severe as first feared, Rashee Rice’s chances of returning this season remain slim, according to an ESPN source.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is likely out for the rest of the season, but his knee injury isn’t as severe as initially feared, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
“Sources: While Chiefs star WR Rashee Rice’s season is expected to be over, he did receive positive news today from Dr. Dan Cooper,” Rapoport reported. “Rice needs his LCL repaired, but there is a chance that’s the only ligament to be repaired. He’s expected to make a full recovery.”
Rice’s injury happened in a freak accident when quarterback Patrick Mahomes accidentally collided with him while trying to make a tackle after throwing an interception in last Sunday’s game against the Chargers.
“I didn’t notice it in the moment, I more worried about trying to get the ball,” Mahomes shared with reporters last week. “But obviously, was just trying to make a play and it happens whenever you’re trying to make tackles.”
“I mean, when I saw the replay, I felt like s–t that I hit Rashee.” He further said, “I think that’s pretty much all — I mean, I wasn’t worried about myself. I was worried about, hopefully, his injury and hoping it wasn’t as bad as it looked because I was the one that hit him.”
On Monday, Rice underwent an arthroscopic procedure performed by Dr. Dan Cooper, who is also the Cowboys’ team physician. There were various possible outcomes from this surgery, with the ideal being no structural damage—a result that was unlikely.
Although the best scenario didn’t materialize, there’s still hope for a quicker recovery if Rice doesn’t need a full ACL reconstruction. Rapoport mentioned that, depending on the outcome of Rice’s next procedure, which is scheduled for tomorrow, his recovery might only take around three months.
The diagnosis confirmed Rice needs LCL repair, contrary to earlier reports suggesting an ACL tear. With this, his recovery could take around 3-4 months, effectively ruling him out for the season.
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