The unique and curious case of Rashee Rice's recovery timeline hasn't given Chiefs fans many concrete answers, yet Tuesday's news following his successful LCL surgery offers a silver lining.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Rice will miss the rest of the regular season but that there were no tears or damage to his ACL or meniscus. There was a repair done to his hamstring tendon, though there is no long-term damage.
He's expected to make a full recovery. How long that recovery will take exactly isn't yet known, though Schultz's specific "regular season" phrasing gives an unlikely glimmer of hope that Rice could appear in the postseason.
Rashee Rice Undergoes Successful Knee Surgery, Expects Full Recovery
Sources: #Chiefs WR Rashee Rice underwent successful LCL surgery today with Dr. Cooper and will miss the remainder of the regular season. A full recovery is expected.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 8, 2024
There was also a repair done to Rice’s hamstring tendon, and I’m told there was no structural damage or tears to… pic.twitter.com/pdGOCPWpT1
To be clear, reports indicate it's overwhelmingly likely that Rice won't come back until next season. That his ACL wasn't damaged suggests he'll be ready to go for summer workouts. However, the phrasing leaves a small possibility that he could make an appearance in a theoretical deep playoff run.
Nate Taylor of the Athletic reported that Rice's recovery is expected to be four months. Four months from the surgery date is February 8. Care to guess what date the Super bowl is? February 9.
From my understanding, per multiple sources, Rashee Rice's rehab, following his surgery today to repair his right LCL, is expected to be 4 months.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) October 8, 2024
Again, Rice probably wouldn't play even if the Chiefs make the Super Bowl again, which they're overwhelmingly favored to do. That being said, if his rehab goes better than expected? There's still a chance he could suit up. It's a tiny one, but it exists nonetheless.
Hope is not dead for the second-year star wideout. Chiefs fans shouldn't expect much, yet Rice isn't ruled out of a potential postseason return as Kansas City tries to make history with a three-peat.
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