Is Rashee Rice playing today? Chiefs WR's status revealed for AFC championship game vs. Bills

Rashee Rice was among the best players in the Kansas City Chiefs' last run to the Super Bowl. However, due to an LCL injury, the SMU Mustangs product hasn't been able to feature in this year's run to the AFC championship game.

However, with the AFC showdown a few hours away, let's examine Rice's potential availability.

Exploring Rashee Rice's availability for AFC championship game

Despite Rashee Rice's best efforts, he will play no part in today's AFC championship game against the Buffalo Bills. The pacey wide receiver is recovering from an LCL injury, and this game is too soon for him to partake in.

Rice suffered the injury in the Week 4 game versus the LA Chargers. He subsequently had surgery on his hamstring tendon and LCL.

The seriousness of Rice's injury meant he was immediately ruled out of the regular season and playoffs. The minimum recovery timeframe for such issues is typically nine months, and Rice got hurt in Week 4. Thus, there was never a realistic chance of him participating in the conference championship game.

The Chiefs will continue to rely on Travis Kelce, DeAndre Hopkins, Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown to shoulder the receiving workload. Rice can focus on his recovery for the 2025 regular season.

How did the Chiefs perform in Rashee Rice's absence?

Before getting hurt, Rashee Rice posted a stat line of 24 catches, 288 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He looked like the undisputed WR1 in Kansas City until he crumpled on the turf versus the Chargers.

Since then, Patrick Mahomes has artfully spread the ball among his wide receivers, tight ends and deep-threat running backs. In the regular season, Travis Kelce led the way with 823 receiving yards, while Xavier Worthy had 638 receiving yards. Worthy also led the team in receiving TDs with six.

The Chiefs hope Kelce, Worthy and Co. will step up against the Buffalo Bills. Remember, the Bills were the only team to defeat a full-strength Kansas City Chiefs in the regular season. Both teams have it all to play for in today's game at Arrowhead Stadium.