Chiefs get optimistic update on WR Rashee Rice's knee injury

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking for its remaining offensive weapons to step up in the absence of running back Isiah Pacheco and wide receiver Rashee Rice. Monday's primetime bout with the New Orleans Saints is the first opportunity for players to fill those gaps.

ESPN's Adam Schefter delivered some optimistic news before kickoff about Rice's knee injury, which he sustained in Week 4 when quarterback Patrick Mahomes crashed into him trying to defend an interception return.

Rice could be looking at a "much shorter" recovery time than originally anticipated, per Schefter. He reported that after consulting with doctors, there's "a lot of optimism" that Rice's injury isn't as serious as originally thought.

He noted that the Super Bowl LVIII champion is still "unlikely" to play again this season but the specific length of recovery time will be determined Tuesday after Rice undergoes exploratory surgery.

Rice's injury leaves a significant hole at the wide receiver position for Kansas City, sparking speculation over whether the team may make an offer to division rival Las Vegas for its star wideout, Davante Adams, who recently asked for a trade.

Schefter threw a damper on that wishful thinking pre-game, saying "That's not going to happen."

Instead, New Orleans, he suggested — Kansas City's "Monday Night Football" opponent — could be a likely destination due to Adams' previous rapport with quarterback Derek Carr (they were college teammates at Fresno State).