In the 2020 Divisional Round, the Kansas City Chiefs trailed 24-0 to the Houston Texans before quarterback Patrick Mahomes orchestrated a rapid turnaround that culminated in a dominant win.
That game reflected the core identity of the Chiefs: a team that does not avoid adversity, but turns it into opportunity. Now in 2025, Kansas City faces another early challenge, wide receiver Rashee Rice is expected to miss time due to a knee injury. But inside the organization, there is no sign of concern.
Rice had a strong start last season, recording 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns in just four games before suffering his injury.
Known for his physicality and effectiveness after the catch, Rice led the Chiefs in postseason yards after contact with 196 in 2023, setting franchise rookie records with 26 playoff receptions and 262 receiving yards. Yet his absence is being met with composure, not alarm.
“Well, he is going to miss some time, but I don’t necessarily think it’s a huge hit,” said analyst Ryan Clark. “We’ve seen this team play an entire season without Rashee Rice when they weren’t expecting to lose him…”
Clark is referring to last season, when rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy stepped in effectively.
Worthy recorded 59 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns and set a Super Bowl rookie record with 157 receiving yards. His emergence underscored the adaptability of head coach Andy Reid‘s offensive system.
Kansas City’s depth and system-oriented offense
Kansas City’s offensive success has never relied on one or two individual stars. Under Reid, the team has emphasized depth, flexibility, and a collective approach to production.
Mahomes has demonstrated the ability to distribute the ball efficiently across multiple targets, minimizing the impact of individual absences.
“This Kansas City Chiefs offense doesn’t really revolve around one, two, or three-star receivers,” Clark added. “It’s really a receiver by committee approach.”
This structure allows for new contributors to emerge quickly. In addition to Worthy, the Chiefs expect contributions from rookie Jalen Royals, described by Reid as “quiet but deadly,” and wide receiver Hollywood Brown, who is returning from a shoulder injury.
Tight end Travis Kelce, having dropped 25 pounds in the offseason, is reportedly moving better than he has in years.
“There’s a lot I can prove,” Kelce stated during minicamp, signaling his readiness to take on an expanded role if necessary.
On the defensive side, Kansas City remains strong, with Chris Jones anchoring the defensive line and Trent McDuffie providing consistent coverage in the secondary.
The defense, along with a dependable running game, continues to support Mahomes and the offense.
As Clark noted: “All of a sudden, this team is still going 15 and two no matter who’s on the field. It revolves around Travis Kelce. It revolves around Patrick Mahomes. It revolves around that defense. And then, when they need to, the running game.”
While Rice’s absence does leave a gap, the Chiefs have the infrastructure, personnel, and leadership to maintain their high level of performance. Mahomes put it simply during OTAs: “All you can do is just be better than you were the day before.”
According to Clark, the real story will begin when Rice returns: “It’s going to be about who they become once they get Rashee Rice back.” Until then, Kansas City remains fully capable, and focused, on contending without him.
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