RasheeRice

Tom Christ·Oct 6

Injury: Right hamstring injury.

Expected Time Missed: Potential Week 6 return after the bye. Rice injured his hamstring but has the luxury of a Week 5 bye to rest and rehab. The injury is believed to be minor, though even mild hamstring strains deserve attention because of the risk of aggravation. Our dataset of over 200 wide receivers shows an average absence of 1. 8 games and less than a 10% decline in fantasy production after returning. Rice’s playing style could help him remain productive. He isn't a burner like some other receivers, and he works more often at short and intermediate depths. That may reduce his exposure to the repeated top-speed sprinting required of deep threats, although accelerating, cutting and running after the catch will still challenge the hamstring. If he avoids a setback, there is reason to remain optimistic about his production.

Tyler Brown·Oct 6

With Rice out and Thornton carrying the load as the primary deep threat, Worthy stepped up in a way that had been elusive through the first three weeks. He finished with four catches for 70 yards, highlighted by a contested 41-yard reception. It was the type of catch that has been one of the persistent knocks on his game throughout his NFL career. Tracking the deep ball under pressure against a physical defensive back is precisely what his critics have questioned, and he answered that question, at least on Sunday. Timing matters as much as performance. The Chiefs needed him, and he showed up. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes trusted him on that play, which is a good sign for Worthy's future, because all of a sudden he may be the Chiefs' No. 1 wide receiver in Week 6.