Kansas City Chiefs News

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Tyquan Thornton • WR • Chiefs

Tyquan Thornton Remains in Concussion Protocol

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (concussion) is absent from Thursday's practice for the second straight day as he remains in the league's concussion protocol, according to senior team reporter Matt McCullen. Thornton exited the Week 15 loss to the Chargers after a 21-yard catch in the fourth quarter. The 25-year-old appears unlikely to suit up for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans unless he can clear the league's concussion protocol. The former New England Patriots wideout wouldn't have much fantasy appeal regardless, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) out for the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL. Top wideout Rashee Rice (concussion) is also in concussion protocol with Thornton. Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster could be in line for more opportunities in Week 16 if Thornton and Rice are ruled out.

18 hours ago

Rashee Rice • WR • Chiefs

Rashee Rice Not Practicing Again on Thursday

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (concussion) won't practice again on Thursday as he remains in the league's concussion protocol, according to Chiefs senior reporter Matt McCullen. Rice is trending towards missing his first game since returning from suspension in Week 7. The 25-year-old's rest-of-the-season outlook is already hurt with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) out for the year after suffering a torn ACL in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs could be thin at wide receiver for Sunday's matchup against the Tennessee Titans, with Tyquan Thornton (concussion) also in concussion protocol and missing two practices this week. If Rice and Thornton are ruled out, quarterback Gardner Minshew will rely on a receiver trio of Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster, along with a heavy dose of tight end Travis Kelce in the passing game.

19 hours ago

Tyquan Thornton • WR • Chiefs

Tyquan Thornton Not Practicing on Wednesday

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (concussion) will not practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Andy Reid. Fellow wideout Rashee Rice is also dealing with a concussion and will not practice on Wednesday. The Chiefs have been eliminated from playoff contention and lost star quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) to a torn ACL in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, so they won't be pushing Thornton or Rice to play in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. The 25-year-old Thornton has 19 catches on 36 targets for 438 yards and three touchdowns this year, but he's mostly been quiet in KC's offense since Rice returned from his suspension. He hasn't scored a touchdown since Sept. 28 and has five zero-catch games this year. If Thornton and Rice are unable to play this weekend, Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster would all be forced into bigger roles.

Yesterday

Patrick Mahomes • QB • Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes Rehabbing ACL, LCL Tears

Kansas City Chiefs head trainer Rick Burkholder said that quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) was operated on quickly to fix the LCL part of his ACL/LCL knee injury that he suffered in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Jesse Newell of The Athletic. Mahomes has started his rehab in Dallas this week and will continue through Thursday before returning to KC. The fact that the 30-year-old tore both his ACL and LCL will make his recovery more complicated, but reports suggest that Mahomes is "hellbent" on returning for the Week 1 season opener in 2026. For the final three weeks of the 2025 season, Gardner Minshew will run KC's offense, which is an obvious downgrade for all of the Chiefs' offensive skill players. Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl MVP, threw for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 14 games in 2025 in his ninth NFL season.

Yesterday

Rashee Rice • WR • Chiefs

Rashee Rice Won't Practice Due to Concussion

The Kansas City Chiefs say that wide receiver Rashee Rice (concussion) will not practice on Wednesday, according to Pete Sweeney. It's a new injury for Rice, and one that could certainly keep him from playing in the Week 16 game against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday, especially with the Chiefs now eliminated from playoff contention. The 25-year-old's fantasy stock will be down, regardless, for the final three games of the season, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) done for the year following a torn ACL suffered in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on Rice's status the rest of the week. He'll need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist to play this Sunday. Tyquan Thornton also suffered a head injury against the Chargers. Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster could be in for expanded roles against the Titans if Rice and Thornton are unable to suit up.

Yesterday

Gardner Minshew • QB • Chiefs

Gardner Minshew on the Fantasy Radar in Superflex Leagues

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew is in line to start the rest of the season after Patrick Mahomes (knee) suffered a torn ACL in the Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Minshew completed three of five passes for 22 yards and a game-ending interception in relief of Mahomes in the fourth quarter. The 29-year-old has been serviceable in the past as a starter, with his best season coming in 2023 with the Indianapolis Colts. He completed 62.3% of his passes for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 13 starts. Minshew most recently started for the Las Vegas Raiders last season, where he wasn't quite as effective in a worse offensive environment, throwing more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (nine) over nine starts. Minshew doesn't profile as a fantasy option in standard formats, but he has appeal in superflex leagues for a favorable Week 16 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

2 days ago

Patrick Mahomes • QB • Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes Targeting Week 1 Return in 2026

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) "appears to be hellbent" on returning for Week 1 of the 2026 season, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in Kansas City's Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, ending his season. The 30-year-old underwent surgery on Monday, so a return in Week 1 of 2026 would be right around nine months of recovery time. While it's obviously too soon to know exactly when Mahomes will return, it's noteworthy that the initial plan is to be ready for the start of the season. By his lofty standards, the two-time MVP had a down year in 2025, completing a career-low 62.7% of his pass attempts for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions across 14 games. Gardner Minshew is the current fill-in for Mahomes in Kansas City, but he will be a free agent at the end of the season. If Mahomes were to miss time in 2026, it's unclear who the Chiefs would turn to under center.

2 days ago

Patrick Mahomes • QB • Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes has Successful ACL Surgery on Monday

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) underwent successful ACL surgery in Dallas on Monday. Mahomes went under the knife with Dr. Dan Cooper to repair a torn left ACL that he suffered in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He'll immediately begin the rehab process, and his timetable to return is unknown right now. The 30-year-old is obviously out for the rest of this season and faces an uphill battle to be ready for the beginning of the 2026 campaign. In his absence, Gardner Minshew will take over under center for the final three games of the regular season with the Chiefs officially eliminated from playoff contention. With Mahomes out the rest of the way, KC's offensive weapons need to be downgraded in fantasy football.

3 days ago

Patrick Mahomes • QB • Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes Seeking Second Opinion for Knee Surgery

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Monday that quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) is heading to Dallas for a second opinion on the surgery that is required to fix the torn ACL in his left knee that he suffered in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. It was a dark day in KC on Sunday, as not only did they lose Mahomes for the rest of the season, but they were also eliminated from the postseason for the first time in a decade. Regardless of when Mahomes has surgery on his knee, he'll likely be fighting an uphill battle to be ready for the start of the 2026 season. For the final three games of the year, Gardner Minshew will run the Chiefs' offense, which means all of the team's offensive skill players should be downgraded in fantasy football. Mahomes finishes his ninth year in the NFL with 3,587 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 14 games.

3 days ago

Patrick Mahomes • QB • Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes Suffers Torn ACL

According to the team, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) has suffered a torn ACL. Mahomes exited Sunday's loss to the Chargers in the fourth quarter after suffering a left knee injury. Following the game, the three-time Super Bowl winner underwent an MRI, which eventually revealed the extent of their injury. The team noted that Mahomes and the club are currently exploring surgical options. As a result, this will keep the 30-year-old quarterback sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 campaign and potentially part of the 2026 season. Before exiting on Sunday, Mahomes went 16-for-28 with 189 yards, an interception, and added 15 yards and a score with his legs. For the remainder of the season, Gardner Minshew is slated to take over QB1 duties in Kansas City. He will carry mid-end QB2 upside in Week 16, facing a weak Tennessee secondary, playing in an offense with Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Travis Kelce.

4 days ago

Tyquan Thornton • WR • Chiefs

Tyquan Thornton Exits Sunday's Loss in Concussion Protocol

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (concussion) exited Sunday's loss to the Chargers in the concussion protocol. The wideout sustained this injury in the final frame after catching a 21-yard strike from Patrick Mahomes. Thornton finished the game with two catches on three targets for 47 yards. His yardage total trailed just Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce. With Marquise Brown unable to suit up due to personal reasons, Thornton saw a larger role. Managers should monitor his status leading up to their Week 16 matchup against the Titans. If he is unable to play, JuJu Smith-Schuster would likely see an increase in snaps but would not carry much fantasy value as their QB, Patrick Mahomes, exited this contest with a knee injury and is alos in danger of sitting out next week.

4 days ago

Patrick Mahomes • QB • Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes Slated for MRI Following Knee Injury

Head coach Andy Reid reports that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) will undergo an MRI on his injured left knee. Mahomes exited Sunday's 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers late in the fourth quarter after landing awkwardly on his left knee. It's never good news when an athlete suffers a non-contact injury, leaving questions about the former Texas Tech Red Raider's status for the remainder of the season. For what it's worth, Reid confirmed what most of us watching already knew, that the injury "didn't look good." Journeyman signal-caller Gardner Minshew worked in Mahomes' stead for the remainder of Week 15's outing, and projects to be the team's solution under center if the latter is forced to miss more time moving forward. Fantasy managers can expect an update on the 30-year-old within the next 24 hours.

4 days ago

Patrick Mahomes • QB • Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes Helped To Locker Room Following Knee Injury

Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered an apparent knee injury late in the team's Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The three-time Super Bowl winner was replaced by Gardner Minshew on the Chiefs' final possession after taking a hit while attempting a pass. Mahomes did not return to the game and was seen being helped to the Kansas City locker room by members of the training staff. The Chiefs were mathematically eliminated from the NFL playoffs with the loss, marking the first time in Mahomes' career that he's failed to qualify for the postseason.

4 days ago

Xavier Worthy • WR • Chiefs

Xavier Worthy Being Checked For Concussion

The Kansas City Chiefs said wide receiver Xavier Worthy (head) is being evaluated for a possible concussion during Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The second-year receiver did not have a catch on one target at the time of his exit. Already on the verge of missing the playoffs, the defending AFC Champions likely will have to run the table to keep their slim odds alive. If Worthy were to miss time, the Chiefs likely would lean into a familiar cast of characters, including JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquise Brown, and Tyquan Thornton behind No. 1 receiver Rashee Rice.

4 days ago

Tyquan Thornton • WR • Chiefs

Tyquan Thornton in line for More Opportunities in Week 15 with Hollywood out

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton hasn't played a significant role in the offense since the return of Rashee Rice in Week 7, playing 24.1% of the snaps and catching four of nine targets for 119 yards over that time. The speedy wideout should see an uptick in snaps in Week 15's divisional game against the Los Angeles Chargers with Marquise Brown (personal) ruled out. The former New England Patriot was dynamic in the first five games of the season, seeing regular playing time, averaging 20.9 yards per reception and scoring three touchdowns on 13 catches. Thornton faces a challenging matchup on Sunday as the Chargers have allowed the fewest PPR points per game against wide receivers this season. He profiles as a boom-or-bust flex option in deeper leagues.

5 days ago

Harrison Butker • K • Chiefs

Harrison Butker Tough To Trust In Week 15

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker missed one of his two field goal attempts in last week's loss to the Houston Texans. His miss in Week 14 was his fourth missed field goal of the season and ruined his field goal streak that dated back to September 28 against the Baltimore Ravens. Butker was not a top-12 kicker over the course of the fantasy season, and he's not ranked as one this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. In a divisional matchup that is not predicted to be a high-scoring affair, Butker is ranked K18 in our RotoBaller rankings this week. Week 15 is the first week of the fantasy playoffs for most leagues, and Butker may not be the kicker to lean on if you're looking for upside this week.

6 days ago

Travis Kelce • TE • Chiefs

Travis Kelce With A Difficult Matchup In Week 15

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was essentially eliminated from last week's contest against the Houston Texans. Kelce was held to one catch for eight yards in the 10-20 loss to Houston. The veteran tight end was a non-factor, finishing sixth on the team in receiving yardage. Week 14 was the first time this season that Kelce finished without multiple catches, so it can only go up from here, but he does face a difficult matchup in Week 15. Kelce will take on the Los Angeles Chargers, who have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. The Chiefs need to win the rest of their games this season if they have any chance of making the playoffs, and Kelce should be heavily involved in making that happen. Kelce is ranked TE7 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a mid-range TE1 with another difficult matchup this week.

6 days ago

Xavier Worthy • WR • Chiefs

Xavier Worthy Could Struggle Against Chargers In Week 15

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught three passes for 55 yards to lead the team in last week's 10-20 loss to the Houston Texans. The Texans focused their defensive attention on Rashee Rice, which allowed Worthy to emerge with the most receiving yards on the team in Week 14. Worthy has quietly strung together three games with at least three catches and 55 yards, giving him a serviceable fantasy floor, albeit without much of a ceiling. The speedy wideout has only topped 70 yards once this season and has one receiving touchdown in 10 games. Things may not get easier as Worthy faces the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. The Chargers defense has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, making it a tough spot for Worthy to succeed. Fellow receiver Marquise Brown has already been ruled out for this week's contest, which could open up more opportunities for Worthy, but the matchup is difficult nonetheless. Worthy is ranked WR45 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option in the first week of the fantasy playoffs.

6 days ago

Rashee Rice • WR • Chiefs

Rashee Rice Without An Injury Designation For Matchup Against Chargers

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was held in check by the Houston Texans in last week's loss. The Chiefs WR1 caught four passes for 34 yards, finishing third on the team in receiving yardage. Despite his lackluster performance, Rice still finished with a team-high eight targets, demonstrating the team's determination to keep him involved. The 26-year-old may once again struggle to find success this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers defense is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, making them one of the most difficult matchups at the position. Rice has been the team's focal point on offense since his return, so he should continue to be heavily involved despite the matchup. Rice was also listed on the injury report with a hamstring injury this week, but was a full participant in every practice and does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game. Rice is ranked WR4 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a top-end WR1 option again this week despite his recent struggles.

6 days ago

Isiah Pacheco • RB • Chiefs

Isiah Pacheco Earning More Touches Heading Into Week 15

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco handled nine carries for 30 yards in last week's 10-20 loss to the Houston Texans. In his second game back from injury, Pacheco's opportunities ticked up closer to Kareem Hunt, who handled 12 carries in the contest. Pacheco looked like the best back in the backfield before his knee injury, so the team may prefer to lean on him more as he gets healthier. Pacheco will have a chance to surpass Hunt this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers defense has been middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, meaning that it should not be a difficult matchup for Pacheco. That said, splitting carries with Hunt in a divisional matchup could be a difficult situation to succeed in. Pacheco is ranked RB48 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a difficult player to trust until he shows more upside.

6 days ago

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