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Patrick Mahomes’ WR Room Takes Another Hit As Kansas City Chiefs Face More Bad News

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Patrick Mahomes (Photo Via Imagn Images)

Patrick Mahomes could enter the 2026 NFL season with even more concerns around his wide receivers after another tough update involving the Kansas City Chiefs this week.

Bill Barnwell from ESPN criticized the Chiefs’ offseason moves at wide receiver and questioned whether the team gave Mahomes enough help as he recovers from a torn ACL. Barnwell pointed out that Kansas City lost Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster but only added rookie receiver Cyrus Allen in the fifth round of the draft.

Barnwell said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach “is mostly running things back at receiver in 2026” despite concerns about injuries and depth. He also questioned whether the team did enough to improve the passing game around Mahomes.

Kansas City still believes several players can step up. Rashee Rice gave hope before injuries and suspensions disrupted the last two seasons. Xavier Worthy also showed great ability as a rookie before injuries slowed him down in 2025. Meanwhile, Travis Kelce remains an important part of the offense after improving his numbers last season.

Even so, Barnwell believes the Chiefs should have added another reliable receiver.

“Could Veach have done more to give Patrick Mahomes — or Justin Fields — another answer in the passing game? I think so,” Barnwell wrote for ESPN.

Rashee Rice Adds To Chiefs’ Concerns

Rashee Rice.
Rashee Rice. Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Chiefs received more bad news after reports revealed Rice recently underwent another knee procedure. ESPN reported that doctors removed loose debris from Rice’s right knee after inflammation created discomfort.

The timing added more concern around Kansas City’s offense. Rice also faces a 30-day jail sentence tied to a probation violation. ESPN reported that the receiver should return in time for training camp, and doctors reportedly found no structural damage in the knee.

The uncertainty around Rice immediately started more discussion about possible veteran additions.

Several names already surround the Chiefs in trade and free-agent rumors. AJ Brown continues to come up in speculation, although reports suggest the New England Patriots could stand as the favorite if the Philadelphia Eagles move him.

Former Chiefs star Tyreek Hill also surfaced as a possible reunion candidate after reports linked him to a fresh start following a season-ending knee injury. Stefon Diggs entered the conversation after reports connected him to a release from the Patriots for financial reasons.

Keenan Allen also remains available as an experienced option who could stabilize the offense.

For now, though, Kansas City appears ready to lean on internal improvement and Mahomes once again. Barnwell believes that plan could leave the Chiefs relying heavily on “Mahomes magic” throughout the season.

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