The Kansas City Chiefs have received a major boost ahead of their Week 8 matchup with the Denver Broncos. Wide receiver Rashee Rice has no injury designation heading into Sunday and is expected to return to the field after missing the Chiefs’ previous two games.
Rice has been working his way back from a hamstring and knee injury suffered during Kansas City’s Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He was limited during Wednesday and Thursday’s practices before progressing to a full participant on Friday.
Rice cleared to return against Denver
The Chiefs officially left Rice without a game-status designation on Friday, meaning there is nothing on the final injury report preventing him from playing Sunday. He practiced fully for the first time since beginning his return and is expected to be back in the lineup against Denver.
Rice’s return comes at an important time for Kansas City. The Chiefs are coming off a 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, their first defeat of the season, and getting one of Patrick Mahomes’ top weapons back should provide a significant boost to the offense.
Rice has missed the last two games following his injury but was able to ramp up his workload throughout this week. His return also gives Kansas City another established option alongside Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy. Kelce also has no injury designation after dealing with an ankle issue and practicing fully Friday.
Chiefs offense gets a major boost
Rice’s availability could have an immediate impact on the way Denver defends Kansas City. During Rice’s absence, Worthy saw an increased role and recorded 10 catches on 13 targets for 84 yards across the two games. With Rice back, Worthy is expected to move back into his normal WR2 role.
That gives Mahomes another key weapon as the Chiefs head into an important AFC West matchup. Rice’s ability to create separation and contribute after the catch has made him a significant part of Kansas City’s passing attack, and his return should give the offense another dimension after its disappointing performance against Seattle.
Kansas City will now look to get back on track against Denver with Rice expected to make his return. After missing two games, the Chiefs’ top receiver appears ready to go for Week 8.
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