KANSAS CITY, Mo. — There’s finally some clarity surrounding Rashee Rice’s knee injury — and it’s equal parts heartbreaking and encouraging.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported Monday evening that Rice needs the lateral collateral ligament, or LCL, in his right knee repaired.
That injury requires a less-significant recovery time (three months) compared to an anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, repair (nine to 12 months).
That’s the encouraging part, but it also means Rice’s season is finished.
Rice is expected to have surgery Tuesday, Rapoport reported. He met with knee specialist Dr. Dan Cooper, who also serves as the Cowboys’ team doctor, in Dallas.
LCL repairs like #Chiefs WR Rashee Rice needs is measured in months -- potentially three months. But if the surgery tomorrow confirms that's the only damage -- if his ACL does not require a reconstruction, that's excellent news. He should be healthy enough for next season. https://t.co/fEq1RiPoJo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 7, 2024
Rice was injured during the first quarter of a Sept. 29 win at the Los Angeles Chargers.
He chased down Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton after an interception, forcing a fumble from behind, but Patrick Mahomes clattered into Rice’s knee as he attempted to tackle Fulton.
From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: #Chiefs standout WR Rashee Rice's season is over after today's tests, but the news was very positive for his long-term outlook. pic.twitter.com/SowbRcIpYU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 7, 2024
Rice, in his second season with the Chiefs, led Kansas City receivers in receptions (24), receiving yards (288) and receiving touchdowns (two).
As a rookie last season, he emerged as the team’s top receiver, finishing with 79 catches for 938 yards with seven touchdowns.
Rice, a second-round pick from SMU in 2023, was placed in injured reserve Thursday.
While the injury news is encouraging for next season, he may face a lengthy suspension next season after being involved in a multi-vehicle, high-speed, hit-and-run, injury crash in March 2024 in Dallas.
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