Chiefs Make WR Decision After Rashee Rice News

Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Chiefs Make WR Decision After Rashee Rice News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 24, 2026 5:11 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs have been without their top wide receiver in Rashee Rice for nearly a month. Rice exited during the team’s Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders after just six snaps due to a right hamstring injury.

While it has not held the Chiefs back and they remain undefeated at 5-0, the offense is a more complete unit with Rice healthy and producing.

The 26-year-old former second-rounder played eight games last year and totaled 571 yards and 53 receptions with five touchdowns. This year, he has 13 receptions for 190 yards before the injury popped up and interrupted his season.

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

Unfortunately, the Chiefs are not getting him back for their prime time matchup on Sunday Night Football against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

Kansas City ruled Rice out, which was not completely unexpected considering he had not even returned to practice yet. The soonest Rice can return is Week 8 when the Chiefs visit the Denver Broncos.

Without Rice, the Chiefs announced Saturday they are elevating veteran wide receiver Justin Watson to the active roster.

We have signed Practice Squad player RB Jaydn Ott to an active roster contract.

We have activated LB Cooper McDonald from Reserve/Injured.

We have activated Practice Squad player WR Justin Watson via Standard Elevation.

We have placed RB Brashard Smith on Reserve/Injured. pic.twitter.com/fZX4YNjghi
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 24, 2026

This marks the second practice squad elevation of the year for Watson in place of Rice, as he was also elevated last week in a win against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Watson was quiet in that game, but adding him makes sense because he is a familiar target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

From 2022 to 2024, Watson gained over 1,000 receiving yards operating primarily as the fourth receiver on the depth chart. Now in his 30s, he does not have the same burst, but he provides valuable depth with Rice sidelined. Andrew Armstrong is another player in line for more opportunities with Rice out.

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

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