Chiefs star wide receiver Rashee Rice will meet with renowned knee expert Dr. Dan Cooper early this week, sources say, with plans to undergo an arthroscopic procedure to help ascertain the damage in his knee. Only then will Kansas City know whether Rice can play again this season.
As of now, it appears there is only a small chance that the electric second-year player can possibly return this season. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said this week there would be “further tests” and more information will be coming from the respected Cooper, who is based in Dallas and is also the Cowboys team doctor.
“For his sake, we’re really hoping things work out for the best,” Reid said Monday, “but let’s just see where it goes.”
For Rice, who has emerged as one of the game’s top young receivers, the immediate fear was a season-ending knee injury, likely an ACL tear. The injury happened when, on an interception, Patrick Mahomes collided with Rice when trying to make a tackle and hyperextended the receiver’s knee. Rice was placed on injured reserve this week, knocking him out at least four games. It will be more.
But how much more will be determined by Cooper and his scope.
According to sources, here are some of the scenarios that could play out following tests:
- The testing could reveal damage to the PCL and LCL, but no damage to the ACL.
- It could show the ACL is damaged enough to require a full reconstruction, while also showing damage to the supporting ligaments.
- The scope could reveal just limited damage to the supporting ligaments and no surgery will be required.
Those options range from nine months of recovery if there is major surgery; 4-6 months of recovery if the ACL is intact but there is other damage; 4-6 weeks if the knee is strong and stable, which is the best-case scenario.
But as of now, there is no way to know, thus the uncertainty. The chances of testing showing the 4-6 week version appear slim, but not zero.
If the Chiefs do lose Rice for the season, they may eventually turn to the trade market for a WR and there will be options. No, Raiders WR Davante Adams is not one. But DeAndre Hopkins, who spoke extensively with Kansas City before signing with the Titans, could be an option if Tennessee is struggling at the trade deadline. There are others, with the focus landing on players without massive base salaries.
As of now, the plan seems to be using the players they have on their roster Monday night against the Saints, then use the bye to evaluate their needs.
While the Chiefs do have nearly $15 million in salary cap space as of now, the plan is to roll over much of that into next year for several big-money deals they have coming, namely cornerback Trent McDuffie, guard Trey Smith and defensive end George Karlaftis.
