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Chiefs rival over Rashee Rice and WR injuries: 'Don't think it's a big deal' for Mahomes | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Chiefs rival over Rashee Rice and WR injuries: 'Don't think it's a big deal' for Mahomes | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Despite injuries to Rashee Rice and other members of the Kansas City Chiefs receiving corps, one opposing coach isn't worried about Patrick Mahomes' ability to remain effective without them.

“I don’t think it’s a big deal,” the coach said, according to Mike Sando of The Athletic. “What were Mahomes' average altitudes when he targeted him?”

Rice was carted off the field with a leg injury during the Chiefs' 17-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Head coach Andy Reid said his future prospects were “not good”.

The 24-year-old had a strong start to the season, recording 24 catches for 288 yards in four games. It's worth noting that he averaged just 4.6 targeted air yards, which is the 13th lowest among all qualified players (via Next Gen Stats).

The coach also expected the Chiefs to utilize their tight ends up front.

“They will integrate the tight ends and go back to what they did last year,” the coach said, according to Sando. “I don’t think it will have a big impact on their development. In my opinion they would have a natural regression this year considering how many games they have played in the last few years, but they are 4-0, that's obvious. “They're in good shape.

With Marquise Brown potentially set to miss the remainder of the regular season after undergoing surgery for a sternoclavicular injury, Kansas City's offense relied heavily on the team's tight ends after Rice was eliminated from contention on Sunday.

After a slow start to the year, Travis Kelce caught seven of his nine targets for 89 yards. Backup Noah Gray was the team's third-leading receiver, catching four passes for 40 yards.

As the Chiefs look to build on their 4-0 record to start the season, expect Mahomes to target Kelce and Gray more often in the future.

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