The Kansas City Chiefs‘ return to work has presented a number of challenges to Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, with multiple players going down due to injuries early in training camp. Rashee Rice isn’t the only one who got hurt recently.
Rice’s absence on the practice field meant a new setback for the Chiefs, who had recently recovered Xavier Worthy after seeing the second-year wide receiver spend time on the concussion protocol.
Unfortunately, Thursday’s practice added insult to injury. Speaking to reporters after the session, Reid confirmed that Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith hurt his finger.
Matt McMullen of the team’s official site had already reported that Smith had to leave Thursday’s practice early after picking up a finger injury, but the extent of the issue remains unclear.
Brashard Smith #RB29 of SMU participates in a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Mahomes, Reid already dealing with injuries on offense
The timing isn’t great, to say the least. On Wednesday, a groin injury prevented Rice from practicing with his teammates. Reid downplayed the extent of this situation though, calling it a ‘minor’ groin injury on Thursday.
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Needless to say, missing Smith and Rice for an extended period of time would further threaten Mahomes‘ intention of finding chemistry with his offense before the real competition gets underway.
Let’s keep in mind that the Chiefs quarterback is already dealing with the absence of veteran wideout Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who is out with an ankle injury, and tight end Jake Briningstool (hamstring).
Reid to make Mahomes suit up for Chiefs’ preseason debut
On Saturday, the Chiefs will play the Arizona Cardinals on the road in their first game of the 2025 NFL preseason. It will also be their first football game since their crushing loss in Super Bowl LIX in February.
While Smith and Rice’s status for the game looks uncertain, Reid announced that Mahomes will suit up at the State Farm Stadium―we’ll have to wait and see how many snaps. Either way, the biggest concern in KC right now is to recover weapons before Week 1.
