Kansas City Chiefs News

AFC WEST

Gardner Minshew • QB • Chiefs

Gardner Minshew Avoids ACL Tear, Already Back to Full Strength

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew (knee) didn't tear his ACL as initially feared, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Minshew suffered only a bone bruise and did not require surgery. The veteran signal-caller avoided any long-term damage to his knee and is already back to full strength as he heads into free agency in 2026. Minshew was forced into action late in the season after Patrick Mahomes (knee) tore his ACL in Week 15. In his first start of the season in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans, Minshew injured his left knee and missed the final few games of the year. The 29-year-old was initially believed to have a torn ACL before the Chiefs said he had a non-displaced tibial plateau fracture. This news might make it more likely that Minshew returns to KC as QB insurance for Mahomes again. In four appearances in 2025, Minshew went 6-for-13 for 37 yards with one interception.

8 hours ago

Xavier Worthy • WR • Chiefs

Xavier Worthy Regresses in Second Season

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught 59 passes for 638 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in his rookie campaign in 2024, but he wasn't able to build on that performance in Year 2. The 22-year-old former first-rounder caught only 42 of 73 targets for 532 yards and one touchdown in 14 games in 2025 for a Chiefs organization that failed to make the postseason for the first time in a decade. Worthy is a big-play threat anytime he touches the football because of his elite speed and shiftiness, but injuries could quickly become a concern because of his tiny 5-foot-11, 165-pound frame. His fantasy stock is certainly down big time heading into the 2026 season, but perhaps new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can get Worthy involved more. The biggest obstacle for Worthy being able to bounce back is the presence of Rashee Rice.

Yesterday

Patrick Mahomes • QB • Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes Says Rehab Going "Great," Goal is 2026 Week 1 Return

Omar Ruiz of NFL Network reports that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) says his rehab from ACL and LCL tears in his knee is "going great." According to Ruiz, Mahomes stated that his goal is to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season, which doctors have said is possible, but there is still a long way to go. Mahomes underwent surgery in mid-December, so a Week 1 return would require less than nine months of recovery time. Across 14 games before getting injured, the 30-year-old completed 62.7% of his pass attempts for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Mahomes also rushed for 422 yards and five scores, making 2025 the most productive rushing season of his career. His recovery progress will be one of the key storylines for fantasy managers to track throughout the offseason.

Jan 15

Rashee Rice • WR • Chiefs

Rashee Rice to be Reviewed Under League's Conduct Policy

The Kansas City Chiefs have issued a statement regarding domestic allegations against wide receiver Rashee Rice, which came up because his former girlfriend had posted pictures on social media. "The club is aware of the allegations on social media and is in communication with the National Football League. We have no further comment at this time", David K. Li of NBC News reports. These allegations could result in a second significant off-field suspension for Rice, who was already suspended six games during the 2025 season following a hit-and-run incident in April of 2024. This is not the first time Rice's behavior has resulted in a potential suspension. Dynasty managers will want to keep tabs on this situation to know whether or not they will be without the Chiefs' No. 1 wide receiver at any point in the 2026 season. Rice racked up 571 receiving yards (10.77 YPC) on 53 receptions and five touchdowns during the 2025 season, in which he played in eight games.

Jan 9

Rashee Rice • WR • Chiefs

Chiefs Issue Statement on Allegations of Rashee Rice

The Kansas City Chiefs have issued a statement regarding allegations posted on Instagram about wide receiver Rashee Rice, Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com reports. "The club is aware of the allegations on social media and is in communication with the National Football League. We have no further comment at this time." These allegations could result in a second significant off-field suspension for Rice, who served a six-game suspension to open the 2025 season following a hit-and-run incident in April of 2024. The 25-year-old was highly productive as the Chiefs' clear WR1 in eight games this season before being placed on Injured Reserve due to a concussion. Rice ranked 11th in the league in receiving yards per game (71.4) and finished with 53 catches (78 targets) for 571 yards and five touchdowns while adding five carries for 20 yards and another score on the ground.

Jan 8

Isiah Pacheco • RB • Chiefs

Isiah Pacheco Sitting Out Week 18 Against Raiders

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (rest) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. Pacheco had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity this past week. His reduced workload in practice was not injury-related, as the Chiefs allowed him to rest because they had already been eliminated from playoff contention. Kareem Hunt is active on Sunday afternoon and should operate as the primary running back in this Chris Oladokun-led offense. We also wouldn't be surprised to see rookie Brashard Smith earn more snaps if Kansas City wants to evaluate his role and viability for the 2026 campaign.

Jan 4

Xavier Worthy • WR • Chiefs

Xavier Worthy Officially Inactive Against Raiders

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (illness) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. He had been listed as doubtful after missing all three practices this past week. Kansas City has already been eliminated from playoff contention, so Worthy finishes his second pro season with 42 catches, 532 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown through 14 games. Travis Kelce, Marquise Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster should operate as Chris Oladokun's top targets in the passing game on Sunday afternoon.

Jan 4

Travis Kelce • TE • Chiefs

Travis Kelce Offers TE1 Value in Week 18

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will look to finish out the season on a high note in a Week 18 matchup against a middle-of-the-road Las Vegas Raiders' defense. While Kelce hasn't been the fantasy superstar we've grown accustomed to for quite some time now, even at 36 years old, he's enjoying a productive season. Chris Oladokun's inexperience undoubtedly caps some of Kelce's ceiling, although the former didn't look totally overmatched in Week 17's loss to Denver. Moreover, Kelce led the team in yards (36), targets (six), and receptions (five) in that contest. This Sunday, he'll face a Raiders' defense that's been roughly league average. They'll also be without star defensive end Maxx Crosby (knee). With the veteran still a focal point, fantasy managers can rely on Kelce as a back-end TE1 for the matchup. He'll officially land as RotoBaller's PPR TE12 for his meeting with Las Vegas.

Jan 4

Kareem Hunt • RB • Chiefs

Kareem Hunt Could be Lead Back in Week 18

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (illness) was under the weather this week and missed the first two practices. He returned to a full session on Friday, though, and has been removed from the Week 18 injury report. The Chiefs could opt to rest Isiah Pacheco in the regular-season finale against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, which would put Hunt in line for lead-back duties to close things out. Hunt should only realistically be considered for starting fantasy lineups this weekend if Pacheco is ruled out on Sunday. The 30-year-old has taken on more of a secondary role in the Chiefs' backfield of late, having not seen double-digit carries in any of the last three games. He was the team's preferred option in the backfield for most of the season, though. Hunt has 158 carries for 597 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 16 games, adding 15 receptions for 122 more yards and a TD through the air.

Jan 2

Xavier Worthy • WR • Chiefs

Xavier Worthy Doubtful to Play in Week 18

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (illness) missed practice all week and is considered doubtful to play in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Worthy likely would have been ready to play had this game meant something, but with the Chiefs out of playoff contention, they are expected to rest the speedy Worthy. KC's offense is limping to the finish line this year, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) and receivers Rashee Rice (concussion) and Tyquan Thornton (concussion) unavailable due to injuries. Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and rookie Jalen Royals should operate in three-wide sets on Sunday for starting quarterback Chris Oladokun. Worthy, who missed time early in the year with a shoulder injury, took a step back in Year 2 and finished with a disappointing 42-532-1 line in 14 games played.

Jan 2

Isiah Pacheco • RB • Chiefs

Isiah Pacheco Could be Rested Against Raiders

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (rest) is officially listed as questionable for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders after being limited in practice all week. Meanwhile, fellow RB Kareem Hunt (illness) practiced in full on Friday and was removed from the final injury report. Hunt missed the first two practices of the week. The Chiefs have nothing left to play for, so they could opt to rest Pacheco in the final game of the season. Pacheco began to see more work than Hunt in recent weeks, but with him potentially being rested in Week 18, fantasy managers would be smart to stay away. If Pacheco doesn't play this weekend, he'll finish his fourth year in the NFL with 118 carries for 462 yards and one touchdown on the ground in 13 games, adding 19 receptions for 101 yards and one more TD on 16 targets.

Jan 2

Kareem Hunt • RB • Chiefs

Kareem Hunt in Danger of Missing Week 18?

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (illness) has yet to practice this week due to an illness after not practicing again on Thursday, according to Chiefs Digest's Matt Derrick. Hunt, who has ceded more backfield work to Isiah Pacheco in recent weeks, could be in danger of missing the Week 18 regular-season finale this weekend versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders unless he can practice on Friday. Even if Hunt can get cleared to play on Sunday, fantasy managers should consider him a low-upside RB4/flex for starting lineups in an offense that is being run by third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun to close out the season. If Hunt is ruled out for Week 18, Pacheco would be a more attractive RB3/flex play for fantasy managers in deeper leagues still trying to win a championship. Hunt hasn't had double-digit carries in the last three games for KC.

Jan 1

Xavier Worthy • WR • Chiefs

Xavier Worthy Missing Another Practice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (illness) is missing a second straight practice this week on Thursday due to an illness, according to Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest. Worthy still has one more day to practice on Friday, but heading into a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, it's fair to wonder if the 22-year-old will be active. Rashee Rice (concussion) is on season-ending Injured Reserve as well, so if Worthy is inactive this weekend, the Chiefs would be down to Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and tight end Travis Kelce as their top pass-catchers with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun running the offense. With Rice out in last week's Christmas Day loss to the Denver Broncos, Worthy failed to catch any of his three targets to give his fantasy managers a donut in Week 17.

Jan 1

Xavier Worthy • WR • Chiefs

Xavier Worthy Will Not Practice on Wednesday Due to Illness

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (illness) will miss his team's practice on Wednesday, per Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star. The 22-year-old has had a disappointing 2025 season overall, recording 42 receptions for 532 yards and a touchdown on 73 targets across 14 games. However, he profiles as the Chiefs' WR1 with Kansas City wideouts Rashee Rice (concussion) and Tyquan Thornton (concussion) both on Injured Reserve. Worthy failed to take advantage of his first opportunity without Rice and Thornton in Week 17, recording zero catches on three targets against the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs have an easier matchup in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Still, the Kansas City passing game is difficult to trust with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun in line to make his second straight start under center. If active, Worthy profiles as a deep-league flex option at best in Week 18.

Dec 31

Noah Gray • TE • Chiefs

Noah Gray a Non-Factor for the Chiefs This Season

After a career year in 2024, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray hasn't played a major role in the offense in 2025. Gray has totalled 18 catches (32 targets) for 148 yards in 15 games this season and has yet to find the end zone after scoring five times last year. The 26-year-old's lowest snap share in a game this season was 32.3% in Week 12, so the veteran was still a part of the Chiefs offense, but he has only been targeted on 13% of his routes, down from 16% last year. The Chiefs' pass-catching situation was much more dire in 2024 than in 2025, with Rashee Rice back in the mix for most of the season, which in part led to the dip in production for Gray. However, with plenty of rumors surrounding the possibility of legendary tight end Travis Kelce retiring at the end of the season, Gray could be stepping into a starting role in 2026, which would be a big boost to his fantasy value.

Dec 31

Kareem Hunt • RB • Chiefs

Kareem Hunt Carries Waiver-Wire Appeal Heading into Favorable Week 18 Matchup

Across 16 games in 2025, Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has recorded 719 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns on 173 touches. While the 30-year-old lacks explosive upside, he remains an effective short-area and goal-line rusher. Hunt's touchdown production has dried up in recent weeks, as he's failed to find the end zone in any of Kansas City's last three games. However, Hunt's playing time spiked in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos, as he earned more snaps (24) than fellow Chiefs running backs Isiah Pacheco and Brashard Smith combined (21). Additionally, the Chiefs will face a significantly easier matchup in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Even with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun under center, Kansas City could have a chance to move the ball against Las Vegas. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams. Hunt could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 18.

Dec 30

Brashard Smith • RB • Chiefs

Brashard Smith Seeing Expanded Role in Chiefs' Passing Game

Across 16 games this season, Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith has recorded 265 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 55 touches. The 22-year-old's opportunities have been limited by the presence of veteran Chiefs backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, who have dominated the team's rushing work for most of the 2025 season. Over his last seven games, Smith has logged just four carries. However, Smith has seen a larger role in the Kansas City passing game. In Week 17, Smith earned four targets from Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun and hauled in his first receiving touchdown of the season. With Oladukun likely in line to make his second start of the season in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Smith could continue to see work as a pass-catcher. In deep PPR fantasy leagues, Smith may be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 18.

Dec 30

Isiah Pacheco • RB • Chiefs

Isiah Pacheco Remains the Lead Rusher in Kansas City

Across 13 games this season, Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has recorded 563 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 137 touches. The 26-year-old has not recorded more than 34 rushing yards in a game or scored a rushing touchdown since Week 8. However, Pacheco maintains a consistent role in the Kansas City offense, averaging over 11 touches per game over the last three weeks. Pacheco appears to have wrestled the RB1 role for the Chiefs away from fellow back Kareem Hunt, as he's earned double the touches of Hunt over that same three-game period. Kansas City has been consistently chasing points during its ongoing five-game losing streak, which limits opportunities to run the football. However, the Chiefs could have a chance to play with a lead in their Week 18 matchup against the lowly Las Vegas Raiders. In fantasy leagues with 10 or more teams, Pacheco could be a running back worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 18.

Dec 30

Travis Kelce • TE • Chiefs

Travis Kelce to Evaluate his Future in the Offseason

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will use the offseason to evaluate whether to keep playing or to retire, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The future Hall of Famer has been non-committal about playing past 2025. At age 36, Kelce will have to weigh a possible return to the field, which could see the Chiefs begin next season without quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) as he rehabs from an ACL injury. While not at his former level, Kelce has still been rock-solid from a fantasy perspective with more than 100 targets, 73 catches, 839 yards, and five touchdowns through 16 games, which is good enough for third among PPR tight ends before Sunday's games.

Dec 28

Harrison Butker • K • Chiefs

Harrison Butker Considered a Low-End Kicking Option in Week 17

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker nailed three of his four field goal attempts and did not attempt a single extra-point since the Chiefs did not find the end zone in last week's loss to the Tennessee Titans. Butker and the Chiefs could be in for another low-scoring affair in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos defense has allowed the fifth-fewest points per game this season, and with Chris Oladokun leading the offense, the Chiefs could have a tough time scoring any points on Christmas. Butker has now missed a kick in eight of his 15 games this season, making him a tough kicker to trust even with optimal conditions. Butker is ranked K27 in our RotoBaller rankings, making him a low-end option at the position this week.

Dec 24

Kansas City Chiefs News

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