Chiefs place Rice, Thornton, McDuffie, Watson on IR; starting Oladokun at QB

The Kansas City Chiefs face mounting challenges as wide receiver Rashee Rice is now on injured reserve due to a concussion, adding to the team's extensive injury list.

Why it matters: The Chiefs are grappling with significant personnel losses at a critical juncture in their season, currently holding a 6-9 record as they prepare to face the Denver Broncos.
With the absence of key players like Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, the team’s offensive strategy will need to adapt significantly.

What’s new: Rashee Rice's situation is compounded by his recent suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

• Rice was suspended for the first six games of the 2025 season following a multicar crash in Dallas that resulted in multiple injuries.
• He concluded his third NFL season with 53 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns across eight games.

Yes, but: While Rice's absence is notable, the Chiefs must also contend with injuries to other pivotal players.

• Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has joined Rice on injured reserve, both sidelined due to concussions.
• On the defensive side, cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson have been placed on injured reserve, further straining the team's depth.

What to watch: The impact of starting third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun will be critical as the Chiefs navigate these injuries.

• With both Mahomes and Minshew out for the season with knee injuries, Oladokun's performance will be under scrutiny, especially in terms of executing the Chiefs’ offense effectively.
• This game against the Broncos will present a unique challenge for Oladokun, who will need to rely on a reduced skill set compared to what the team typically deploys.

The bottom line: As injuries mount and the season draws to a close, the Chiefs must find ways to adapt their offensive system.

• The team may pivot towards a more conservative approach, perhaps leaning into a run-heavy scheme to mitigate the pressure on Oladokun while providing stability to an unsteady lineup.
• Maintaining open communication and strategic adjustments will be essential if the Chiefs hope to finish the season on a competitive note.

In light of these developments, the Chiefs' ability to rally amidst adversity will be tested, as they seek to find success in the face of daunting challenges.