INGLEWOOD, Calif. – During a crucial moment on their own eight-yard line, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs needed a first down to secure their lead late in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers. Xavier Worthy executed a swift cross route, and Mahomes connected with him perfectly for a 15-yard gain, sealing the game at 17-10.

This game-clinching catch highlights exactly what Kansas City requires from its now-thin wide receiver group moving forward.

With their victory on Sunday, Kansas City improved their record to 4-0. However, they faced a tough setback during the game.

“Rashee Rice will undergo an MRI on his knee tomorrow,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid stated after the game. “I’m afraid the news may not be what we hope for.”

Rice sustained a right knee injury while attempting to tackle Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton after Mahomes threw an interception in the first quarter. During the tackle, Mahomes accidentally collided with Rice.

Afterwards, Rice was assisted off the field and eventually taken to the locker room via cart. The Chiefs later ruled him out for the remainder of the game.

“I was trying to throw it to Travis (Kelce) on the run and I overthrew him a bit. I ended up turning the ball over,” Mahomes reflected on the incident. “I think Rashee did a great job on that play. I tried to tackle the guy and rolled up on him. If I just hadn’t turned the ball over, this wouldn’t have happened.”

The Chiefs are not optimistic about the MRI results for Rice’s knee.

“The guys rallied together. I feel terrible for Rashee,” Reid expressed. “He’s having an outstanding season.”

Entering Week 4, Rice led the NFL with 24 receptions and was the team’s top pass catcher with 288 receiving yards, surpassing even veteran tight end Travis Kelce. Losing Rice could significantly impact Kansas City’s bid for a third consecutive Super Bowl victory, especially with running back Isiah Pacheco and wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown already out of action.

Nonetheless, the Chiefs have successfully won four consecutive nail-biters to kick off the season, totaling ten dating back to last year. They continue to find ways to win, thanks to Reid’s strategic coaching, Mahomes’ elite play, and the formidable Kelce, who is the only tight end in NFL history to record seven consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards (2016-2022).

The Mahomes and Kelce connection was reignited this Sunday. Kelce, who has had a slow start this season, was targeted nine times and ended up with a season-high seven receptions for 89 yards, becoming a crucial option for the Chiefs offense after Rice’s exit.

“With Rashee going out early, we had to rely more on Kelce for those high-volume catches,” Mahomes noted. “I’ve never worried about Kelce; he always makes plays when we need him.”

Kelce is likely to receive more frequent targets with Rice sidelined. In addition, Worthy may step up as a primary wide receiver. He recorded three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown in the game, including a 54-yard touchdown grab. Worthy expressed to YSL News Sports that the Chiefs are a perfect match for him, and he is ready to prove his worth.

“In our receiving group, it’s about the next man stepping up,” Worthy said. “We’re praying for our brother, but I believe we have many players capable of stepping up in crucial moments.”

With Rice out, Worthy appears to be the next man ready to rise in the wide receiver department.

For Kansas City’s passing game to thrive, they will need both their veteran tight end and rookie first-round pick to deliver big plays if they aim to make history as the first NFL team to secure a three-peat at the Super Bowl.