Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice underwent a cleanup procedure on his right knee to remove loose debris that had been causing inflammation.

Reports indicated Rice did not suffer any new structural damage. The discomfort stemmed from the season-ending knee injury he suffered in October 2024, when he tore his LCL and damaged his posterolateral corner and hamstring tendon in a collision with Patrick Mahomes.

Rashee Rice Legal Complications

Rice is reportedly still on track to return for training camp from a medical standpoint. However, his availability for camp is complicated by his legal situation.

On the same day Rice’s procedure was reported, he was ordered to begin serving 30 days in jail in connection with a probation violation. That means Rice will have to continue his rehab while incarcerated.

Pro Football Doc expects Rice to be available for Week 1, but said training camp remains uncertain because of the jail sentence.

Pro Football Doc Medical Analysis

Pro Football Doc said Rice’s latest procedure is another reminder that LCL injuries can be significant, even when the ACL is spared.

Rice and Mahomes both suffered LCL injuries and were operated on by the same surgeon in Dallas, but Pro Football Doc noted that their injuries are different. Rice suffered an LCL and posterolateral corner injury, while Mahomes had an LCL repair and ACL reconstruction.

“All LCL injuries are different,” Pro Football Doc said.

Pro Football Doc said Rice’s second knee scope, performed in May 2026 after his September 2024 LCL-plus injury, shows why the public should be cautious about assuming Mahomes is guaranteed to be 100% after his own LCL-plus injury.

“One golf swing at a charity tournament does not mean Patrick Mahomes is guaranteed to be 100%,” Pro Football Doc said.

Pro Football Doc emphasized that he is not predicting Mahomes will need another surgery, but Rice’s ongoing knee issues show that LCL injuries can have a longer recovery story than expected.

Bottom Line

Rice’s cleanup procedure does not appear to involve new structural damage, and Pro Football Doc expects him to be available for Week 1. However, training camp is less certain because of his jail sentence and rehab logistics. From a medical standpoint, Rice’s ongoing knee issues also reinforce why LCL injuries should not be treated as routine recoveries.