Rashee Rice entered the 2024 NFL season as a rising star in the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, building on a standout rookie campaign. However, a knee injury in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers abruptly derailed his promising sophomore year.
The Chiefs still finished the regular season with a 15-2 record, and are now eyeing a historic third consecutive Super Bowl title. Although the team has persevered without him, speculation about a potential return has sparked hope among fans.
As Kansas City prepares to face the Philadelphia Eagles on football’s biggest stage, let’s revisit how Rice got hurt and why he’s not playing in the Super Bowl.
Revisiting How Chiefs WR Rashee Rice Got Hurt
Rice’s injury came during a chaotic play in Week 4. After Patrick Mahomes threw an interception, Rice chased down Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton in an effort to force a fumble. While Rice successfully jarred the ball loose, Mahomes collided with Rice’s right knee during the play, causing significant damage.
To make matters worse, Fulton’s fumble was overturned, leaving the Chiefs without a turnover and Rice with a serious injury.
Patrick Mahomes just injured Rashee Rice attempting to tackle the Chargers defender who just picked him off 😬😬 pic.twitter.com/O8ssG6V5KW
— Last Take™ (@TheRealLastTake) September 29, 2024
After allowing the initial swelling to subside, Rice underwent arthroscopic surgery on October 7. The procedure revealed a torn LCL but no damage to his ACL or meniscus, making the situation less severe than initially feared. He also required surgery to repair his hamstring tendon, further complicating his recovery.
The Chiefs placed Rice on injured reserve, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. Despite being officially ruled out for the playoffs, rumors of Rice’s potential return gained traction in recent weeks.
Much of this speculation stemmed from a video Rice posted on social media, showing him performing single-leg squats as part of his rehabilitation routine. While the video highlighted Rice’s progress, experts were quick to shoot down the possibility of a postseason return.
It looks like rehab is going great for Rashee Rice. I thought he wasn’t coming back for the playoffs? He looks way ahead of schedule. Reid never said Super Bowl just playoffs. He couldn’t be back if the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl, right?
🎥: IG | doub11e_r pic.twitter.com/aehbe0ZbjS
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) January 13, 2025
Former Chiefs offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz made it clear that rehab milestones like single-leg squats are far removed from the physical demands of NFL action.
“Yes, single-leg squats mean he’s four weeks away from being able to do everything a WR needs to do on the field and also get hit by defenders,” Schwartz wrote sarcastically on X.
Others pointed out that Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has made it clear that Rice won’t be able to return for the Super Bowl.
Not to mention, the team has yet open his 21-day practice window, and Jan. 19 was the deadline to Kansas City to do so in order for Rice to be eligible to play in the Super Bowl.
Even without Rice, Kansas City remains on the brink of history, with a chance to secure an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title. Rice, meanwhile, is focused on returning stronger in 2025, ready to help the Chiefs extend their dominance.