The specifics of Rice’s injury and the subsequent surgery do not alter the anticipated timeline for his recovery. Unfortunately, he will be sidelined for the entire season, and it remains uncertain if his knee will be fit for the start of training camp in July. Reid explained, “The recovery time is likely similar to that of an ACL. It generally takes a significant amount of time to get back to full strength.” He mentioned that Rice will embark on his rehabilitation process moving forward after the Chiefs returned to practice following their bye week.
In other injury news, pass rusher Mike Danna is currently managing a pectoral injury that he was dealing with during the Chiefs’ time off.
Kansas City stands among the two remaining unbeaten teams in the NFL, alongside the Minnesota Vikings. They are preparing for a matchup against San Francisco this Sunday, a rematch of the Super Bowl won by the Chiefs in February, which marked their second consecutive championship.
The Chiefs have faced numerous challenges due to injuries to key players. Before the season, wide receiver Marquise Brown underwent shoulder surgery, and running back Isiah Pacheco suffered a fractured right fibula. Nevertheless, the team has found ways to adapt their roster, including re-signing familiar players such as wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back Kareem Hunt.
In their last game before the bye, Smith-Schuster recorded seven receptions for 130 yards, while Hunt gained 102 yards on 27 carries and found the end zone in a 26-13 victory against the New Orleans Saints. This was a notable return for Hunt, who had been without a team following a sports hernia surgery and was starting for the Chiefs for the first time since being released due to off-field issues in 2018.
Reid humorously noted, “I jokingly said to him that he spent the bye week in the cold tub after all those carries. But I had mentioned earlier that he returned in good condition, considering his lack of playtime, and that still seems to hold true.”
Additionally, the Chiefs hope to reinstate running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire this week. The former first-round pick started the season on the non-football illness list and has been training with the scout team after being activated for return two weeks ago.
“I want to talk with him first before making any public announcements,” Reid stated, “but we are certainly happy to have him back on the team.”