Chiefs Facing Decision After Rashee Rice News

Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

Chiefs Facing Decision After Rashee Rice News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 15, 2026 5:04 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs are one of only three teams left standing in the NFL without a loss. The Chiefs will head into their Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers looking to win a fifth straight game under head coach Andy Reid.

There are some concerns over whether or not quarterback Patrick Mahomes will have his top wide receiver though. Rashee Rice suffered a hamstring injury during the first quarter of Week 4’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

He had the entire bye week to recover and hopefully return to the field. However, it is becoming clear that Rice may unfortunately have to miss some time.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts.Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Chiefs announced their practice report for Thursday and for a second straight day, Rice was held out of practice. He was the only player listed as a DNP. Josh Simmons, L’Jarius Sneed and Peter Woods all practicing in a limited capacity.

With Rice trending in the wrong direction, the Chiefs are also currently without Tyquan Thornton, who suffered a long-term injury during Week 4 and will be out for multiple months.

That means Xavier Worthy will have to step up as one of Mahomes’ top targets along with tight end Travis Kelce.

Josh Simmons, L’Jarius Sneed, and Peter Woods were limited in practice today.

Rashee Rice did not practice.
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 15, 2026

However, there is another name that could enter the mix. Earlier this week, the Chiefs signed wide receiver Justin Watson to the practice squad.

Watson spent three seasons in Kansas City from 2022-24 and Mahomes is familiar with him, with Watson hauling in 64 receptions for 1,064 yards from Mahomes over their time together.

That leaves Reid with a decision to make. If Watson impresses and acclimates well in practice, he could potentially be elevated from the practice squad onto the active roster. Given he has played in the system before, it would give the Chiefs options with so many wideouts down.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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