The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense just took a massive hit. Star wide receiver Rashee Rice went down with what looks like a severe knee injury in Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers. After a collision with Patrick Mahomes, Rice was carted off the field while trying to make a tackle and quickly ruled out. Head coach Andy Reid called it “not good,” and early reports suggest Rice might have torn his ACL, potentially ending his season.
This leaves the Chiefs with a huge void to fill. Through the first three games, Rice was Mahomes’ go-to guy, leading the team in receptions (24), targets (29), receiving yards (288), and touchdowns (2). His absence will be deeply felt, with him drawing a target of 33.7% of pass attempts. So, what options do the Chiefs have to replace him? Let’s break down the possibilities by looking at their current roster, free agents, and potential trade targets.
Current Roster Options After Rashee Rice’s Injury
The Chiefs could first look internally to find Rashee Rice’s replacement. Here are the players who might step up:
Travis Kelce
Kelce is obviously the first name that comes to mind. He’s not a wide receiver, but he’s been Mahomes’ most reliable target for years. However, Kelce has already been taking a lighter load this season as Kansas City aims to keep him fresh for the playoffs. Throwing Rice’s entire workload on him wouldn’t be sustainable, especially with the pressure on Kelce’s body.
Xavier Worthy
Worthy is a newer face but one the Chiefs are high on. They moved up in the draft to get him, and he’s shown flashes of potential. While he has a different playing style—more of a burner than a short-area target—Worthy could still take on a more significant role in the passing game. If the Chiefs adjust their offense to give him more deep shots, he could shine in this moment.
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JuJu Smith-Schuster
Smith-Schuster might be the most logical fit. He’s played a similar role in the past, particularly during Kansas City’s Super Bowl run in 2022. Injuries have slowed him down since then, but Mahomes trusts him, and he could absorb some of Rice’s slot duties. JuJu is not as explosive as he once was, but he could be effective in a more limited possession-receiver role.
Skyy Moore
Then there’s Skyy Moore. The Chiefs have been waiting for him to break out since drafting him in the second round, and this could be his chance. Moore hasn’t lived up to his draft hype so far, but with Rice out, the Chiefs could give him more snaps and see if he can finally make an impact.
Others: Justin Watson and Noah Gray
Justin Watson has been more of a depth player, but with Rice out, he’ll likely see more time on the field. Tight end Noah Gray could also play a bigger role, especially in the red zone, but neither of these guys are ideal replacement for Rice’s quick-game and slot-heavy role.
Free Agent Options
They could enter the free-agent market if Kansas City doesn’t feel confident with their current roster. Unfortunately, there are only a few pickings at this point in the season, but there are still some intriguing names.
Michael Thomas
Remember when Michael Thomas was arguably the best receiver in the NFL? It feels like a lifetime ago, as injuries have derailed his career over the past few seasons. However, if Thomas can stay healthy, something might still be left in the tank. The Chiefs could try to recapture that magic, but it’s a gamble.
Hunter Renfrow
Renfrow is another name to consider. He has a route-running mentality rather than a physical presence like Rashee Rice, but he has proven to be productive in the past. However, it’s hard to see Renfrow fitting seamlessly into Rice’s exact role.
Trade Targets
The Chiefs might look for a big-name addition as the trade deadline approaches. Here are some potential targets:
Kendrick Bourne (Patriots)
Kendrick Bourne is recovering from an ACL injury but could fit well with Kansas City once he is healthy. The Patriots are in rebuilding mode and might be willing to part ways with Bourne to prioritize younger receivers. Bourne has the versatility to work in the slot or on the outside, making him an appealing option.
Amari Cooper (Browns)
Amari Cooper is another intriguing name. Rumors suggest the Browns are shopping Cooper as they rebuild, and his precise route-running and contested catches would fit perfectly in Kansas City’s offense. However, Cooper’s price tag could be steep.
Robert Woods (Texans)
Robert Woods may not be the player he once was, but he still brings valuable experience and a skill set that could help fill Rice’s role. He thrived as a slot receiver, especially with the Rams, and could offer the Chiefs a reliable short-area target.
Davante Adams (Raiders)
Okay, this one is more of a fantasy, but it’s fun to dream, right? The Raiders have resisted all trade offers for Davante Adams, but the Chiefs should at least put in a call. Adams is still one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, and he would be an immediate game-changer for Kansas City’s offense. Realistically, though, this trade likely won’t happen.
Kyle Pitts (Falcons)
Here’s an outside-the-box idea: Kyle Pitts. The Falcons seem to have de-prioritized the once highly-touted tight end, and he could thrive in Kansas City’s system. Pitts can play in the slot, and he has the potential to be a successor to Kelce down the road. However, the price to acquire him might be too high for the Chiefs, especially given Pitts’ inconsistent production.
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