Chiefs Eye Trade Options at Wide Receiver as Rashee Rice Faces Extended Absence Due to Knee Injury

The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to make a move at wide receiver as they brace for the possibility that Rashee Rice could be out for an extended period due to a knee injury. According to league sources, the Chiefs are waiting for the final medical evaluation of Rice’s condition, which could be determined early next week after he undergoes a knee procedure.

There is hope that Rice might return this season, with a potential recovery timeline of six to eight weeks, but nothing will be confirmed until doctors assess the situation. The Chiefs are still holding on to the possibility of Rice’s return this year.

Rice’s absence leaves a significant gap in the Chiefs’ offense, as he has been a key contributor this season, leading the team in receptions and receiving yards. The Chiefs have a recent history of making mid-season trades to fill gaps at wide receiver, having acquired Kadarius Toney from the Giants two years ago and Mecole Hardman from the Jets last season. With Hollywood Brown also out for the remainder of the regular season, the Chiefs are likely to explore trade options again to bolster their receiving corps.

One potential target for the Chiefs could be DeAndre Hopkins, who was pursued by the team in the offseason before signing a two-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. Now in the final year of his contract, Hopkins could become a trade option if the Titans decide to entertain offers. Another possibility is reaching out to the New York Jets if they acquire Davante Adams from the Raiders, as Kansas City might inquire about the availability of other Jets receivers.

However, acquiring Davante Adams himself is seen as unlikely for the Chiefs. Financial constraints, with the team having just under $5 million in cap space, make it difficult to absorb Adams’ salary without assistance from the Raiders, who are unlikely to help a division rival.

Additionally, Adams may have personal reservations about playing in Kansas City, where he was involved in a legal incident following a 2022 game. Furthermore, adjusting to the Chiefs’ complex offense mid-season could prove challenging for any new receiver.

Rice was officially placed on injured reserve by the Chiefs, ruling him out for at least the next four games. His injury occurred in a recent game against the Chargers when teammate Patrick Mahomes accidentally collided with his knee while chasing a fumble. Despite the setback, the Chiefs are exploring all possible avenues to reinforce their wide receiver group in the hope of maintaining their offensive strength moving forward.