OFFICE: Chiefs’ Brightest Young Offensive Star Placed on IR after Training Camp Injury
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KANSAS CITY, MO — August 12, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp absorbed an early blow as second-year wide receiver Rashee Rice was placed on injured reserve following a groin injury suffered during practice at Missouri Western State University. The move, confirmed on August 7, is a setback for a player projected to be a central piece of Kansas City’s high-powered offense as the franchise pursues a historic third straight Super Bowl.
A 2023 second-round pick out of SMU, Rice broke through as a rookie with 79 receptions, 938 yards, and 7 touchdowns, establishing himself as a trusted target for Patrick Mahomes. Blending speed with sharp route-running and strong contested-catch ability, he quickly stood out in the receiver room. The non-contact injury has him sidelined for at least the early portion of the 2025 season, leaving a noticeable void in the Chiefs’ attack.
Head coach Andy Reid acknowledged the disappointment while voicing confidence in Rice’s response. “Rashee’s a tough kid with a great work ethic,” Reid said. “This is a bump in the road, but we know he’ll attack rehab like he does everything else.” Rice, visibly frustrated, echoed the resolve. “Nobody wants to start the season like this. My focus is getting healthy, supporting my teammates, and coming back stronger. Playing for Chiefs Kingdom is a dream—I’ll be back to make plays.”
Teammates rallied behind him. Tight end Travis Kelce praised Rice’s presence even while sidelined: “He’s still in the huddle with us, even from the sidelines,” Kelce noted. In the short term, Rice’s absence increases the pressure on fellow receivers — notably Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy — to shoulder more of the load as the Chiefs gear up for their preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Chiefs’ demanding camp emphasizes physicality and consistency, and Rice’s injury underscores the grind of keeping a roster healthy through August. With the regular season approaching, Kansas City will turn to its depth while Rice rehabs. Fans are banking on the resilience he showed during his standout rookie campaign to fuel a swift return. As the Chiefs mount another push for a deep postseason run, Rice’s progress will be closely watched — with hopes of seeing him back in red and gold as soon as he’s ready.
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