Patrick Mahomes faces a potential Chiefs setback after Rashee Rice’s latest practice development

Patrick Mahomes could be short of another key target when the Kansas City Chiefs return to action against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Rashee Rice missed Wednesday’s practice with a hamstring injury, raising fresh questions about his availability for Week 6. The Chiefs are unbeaten at 4-0 and have had a bye to prepare, but Rice’s absence would complicate their plans. With Tyquan Thornton also out after suffering a serious ankle injury, Kansas City may have to rely more heavily on its younger receivers. That puts added pressure on Mahomes to adjust quickly if Rice cannot play.Rashee Rice’s practice absence creates another problem for Patrick MahomesRice has become an important part of Kansas City’s passing game, recording 13 catches for 190 yards and one touchdown in four games this season. His ability to find space and give Mahomes a dependable option makes his health a major concern, particularly with the Chiefs already missing Thornton.Rice injured his hamstring during the Week 4 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Although the bye week gave him extra time to recover, he was still unable to practice on Wednesday. The Chiefs have not ruled him out for Sunday, but hamstring injuries can be difficult to predict. A player may feel better before he is ready to handle the demands of a full game.Head coach Andy Reid offered a cautious update on Rice’s condition.“We'll see how it goes,” Reid said of Rice's prospects for practicing later this week. “He's actually feeling pretty good as he goes here, so we'll see. Those things, you start dealing with hamstrings, and it could be a week, could be two weeks, you don't know, but I know he's eager to get back in.”Reid’s comments leave the door open for a return, but they also show why Kansas City cannot count on Rice just yet. The Chiefs will need to monitor his progress before deciding how much they can rely on him against the Chargers.Chiefs’ young receivers face a bigger test if Rice sits outRice’s potential absence also makes Thornton’s injury more significant. Kansas City has lost two receivers who could help stretch the field and create space for the rest of the offense. Xavier Worthy remains an option for Mahomes, but the Chiefs may also need Jalen Royals and Cyrus Allen to contribute more than they have so far.Mahomes has backed the younger players, pointing to their preparation and the trust they have built with him in practice.“They’ve put in the work,” Mahomes explained. “Obviously, we’ve had the guys in front of them with Tyquan going out there and playing great football, and so they’ve had to put in the work at practice, and they’ve been doing that. So now their number gets called, and they’re going to step into the role and do their job. I’m excited for them. We’ll put them in position to succeed. I have a lot of trust in those guys, a lot of confidence in them, and so we’ll continue to push it forward.”That trust will matter if the Chiefs have to change their plans on Sunday. Mahomes can help young receivers by keeping their assignments clear, but they must still read coverage, find openings and make plays when the ball comes their way.Kansas City has started well, yet Rice’s status is an important test of its depth. The Chiefs do not need to panic, but they do need other receivers ready to deliver if one of Mahomes’ most reliable options cannot suit up.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.