Underdog NFL relayed the Wednesday DNP, and Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk confirmed Reid's update: Rice injured the hamstring in Kansas City's Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and has not returned to practice yet.
What is confirmed
Rice is not practicing Wednesday. That is a practice report, not a game status for Sunday's home matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. Reid has not ruled him out for Week 6. Charles Goldman of Arrowhead Live / goldmctNFL reported Reid gave a "we'll see" on whether Rice practices later this week, said he is feeling better, and on hamstrings generally: "It could be a week, it could be two."
The rest of the practice news leaned positive. Left tackle Josh Simmons (back) is expected to work for the first time since mid-August, with Reid saying the staff will ease him back in.
Why it matters for RSO owners
Rice is a core piece of Kansas City's passing game when healthy. A Wednesday DNP after a bye is not a soft open to the week. Owners who were counting on him as a Week 6 starter need a backup plan until Thursday and Friday practice reports clear him. Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy, and the Chiefs' other receivers pick up snaps if Rice stays limited.
A DNP to start the week after a soft-tissue injury often means the team is managing him carefully. It does not by itself mean he is out Sunday, and it does not mean he is close to a full week of work either.
