The Kansas City Chiefs, one of only three undefeated teams left in the NFL at a dominant 4-0, just got slammed with some rough news ahead of their Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. According to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star, wide receiver Rashee Rice and offensive tackle Josh Simmons will both be sidelined. This isn’t just a small ding; it’s a tough blow for an offense already reeling from other injuries.
The WR Room Is Looking Bare
Chiefs fans already knew Tyquan Thornton was done for the year after a brutal ankle injury in Week 4. Now, with Rice also out for Week 6 coming off their bye, the wide receiver room is looking seriously depleted. We’re talking about a group that’s “very shaky” for Sunday’s game. McDowell was clear, saying, “Rashee Rice and Josh Simmons will not play Sunday against the Chargers.” That’s not the kind of news you want when you’re trying to keep an undefeated season alive.
Who’s Stepping Up For Mahomes?
With Rice and Thornton out, the depth chart at wide receiver is looking thin. Xavier Worthy is now the WR1, which is a lot of pressure for anyone, let alone with so many guys on the shelf. Jalen Royals, Cyrus Allen, and Nikko Remigio are rounding out the current depth. There’s a chance Justin Watson, who just got signed, might get activated on game day to give them another body out there. Thankfully, Patrick Mahomes still has Travis Kelce and Kenneth Walker III as weapons. On the offensive line, while Simmons is still working his way back, Khalil Benson has been a solid starter in his place, so that’s a small silver lining there.
A Blessing In Disguise, Maybe?
If there was ever a game where the Chiefs could afford to have a depleted wide receiver group, it’s this one. They’re going up against the lowly Los Angeles Chargers, who are sitting at a miserable 0-5 and are still searching for their first win of the season. No NFL game is easy, that’s just a fact, but the Chiefs are still expected to handle business against this struggling Chargers squad. They’ve gotta show up and prove they can get it done, even with some key guys out, and keep that undefeated streak absolutely rolling.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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