The much-anticipated return of third-year wide receiver Rashee Rice lived up to the hype as the Kansas City Chiefs dominated the Las Vegas Raiders clash, 31–0, in a Week 7 blowout at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Rashee Rice Explains Punt
The former SMU standout, making his first appearance of the season after serving a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy and recovering from a season-ending injury suffered in Week 4 last year — wasted no time making his presence felt.
“Just a lot of passion,” Rice said after the game. “I had to get the first one out of the way. I probably won’t be punting the ball anymore, but I had to bring the juice. I had to bring a spark to the offense, first play, first touchdown of the game. However, we needed to get our energy going, I had to do it.”
Chemistry with Mahomes
Despite the long layoff, Rice quickly rekindled his chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes finishing with seven catches for 42 yards and two touchdowns in his season debut.
The moment carried deep emotion for Rice, who reflected on the adversity he faced leading up to his return.
“It meant a lot more today,” he said. “You don’t really notice how much you love something until it’s gone — or could be gone. I don’t ever want to feel that again. Being out here with my brothers, that’s the most love I’ve had in a long time. I feel great.”
The wide receiver was quick to share his perspective on what fans can expect from the Chiefs offense as he continues to get back into form following a long layoff.
“Maybe more plays, more touchdowns — not just from me, but from everybody,” he said. “Just being on the field consistently.
Mahomes on Reuniting with Rice
Mahomes, who completed 26 of 35 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns before giving way to backup Gardner Minshew in the second half, said it felt natural having Rice back in the lineup.
“I’ve got a good sense for Rashee,” Mahomes said. “There were a couple here and there when we were off, but the way he moves and runs routes — I’ve got a good feel for where to put the football.”
Injuries Temper Chiefs’ Dominant Win
While the Chiefs celebrated Rice’s return, they also suffered a pair of concerning injuries.
Rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott exited in the third quarter after what appeared to be a cheap shot from Raiders lineman Stone Forsythe.
Head coach Andy Reid provided a cautious update postgame.
“As far as the injuries go, Norman-Lott is really the only one,” Reid said, via Arrowhead Pride. “He hurt his knee, and we’ll get an MRI tomorrow to see exactly what it is.”
Kansas City also lost Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith who left in the first half with a back issue and did not return.
Trey’s back did lock up on him,” Reid said. “Hopefully it’s nothing serious, but we’ll just have to see how he does.
The Chiefs (4-3) will look to carry their momentum into Monday Night Football next week when they host the Washington Commanders (3-4) at Arrowhead Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET.
Main Image: Jay Biggerstaff – Imagn Images
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