Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes holds his teammates to high standards and respects their contributions to victories. He takes it hard when a teammate gets injured, especially if he accidentally becomes involved in the situation.
Mahomes spoke with reporters on Thursday about his thoughts on Rashee Rice’s injury following an interception in last Sunday’s game. The Pro Bowl quarterback accidentally hit his teammate’s knee while trying to make a tackle.
“I didn’t notice it at the moment; I was more worried about trying to get the ball, but obviously, I was just trying to make a play, and it happens whenever you’re trying to make tackles.”
After the injury in Los Angeles, Rice was carted off the field and immediately ruled out the rest of the game.
“When I saw the replay, I felt like sh** that I hit Rashee; I think that’s pretty much all I mean; I wasn’t worried about myself,” said Mahomes. “I was worried about, hopefully, his injury and hoping it wasn’t as bad as it looked because I was the one that hit him.”
Mahomes will miss Rice’s production for however long he’s out of the lineup, but he has faith in the team’s coaching staff and depth at wide receiver.
“Rashee (Rice) is a huge part of the game plan; you have to throw guys in there and make that timing up. Coach (Andy Reid) tries to get that done in practice,” said Mahomes. “He tries to throw guys in certain situations. But obviously, there’s limited reps. But I thought the guys did a great job accepting the challenge and being there in those moments.”
Rice was placed on injured reserve on Thursday, holding him out at least the next four games.