### Chiefs' Rashee Rice Faces Uncertain Week 16 Status Due to Concussion Protocol The Kansas City Chiefs are grappling with significant injury concerns as wide receiver Rashee Rice has been ruled out for Week 16 after entering the concussion protocol. This development comes after Rice reported symptoms following a hit during a recent game against the Los Angeles Chargers. His absence raises questions about the Chiefs' offensive strategy and impacts fantasy football lineups as managers prepare for the playoffs. ### Breakdown of Injury Impact and Team Status 1. **Rashee Rice's Injury Details** - Rashee Rice entered the concussion protocol after self-reporting symptoms following a hit from Chargers safety Tony Jefferson [https://www.southernsportstoday.com/2025/12/17/chiefs-wr-rashee-rice-enters-procotol-after-self-reporting-symptoms]. - He missed practice leading up to the Week 16 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, confirming his unavailability for the game [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/chiefs-injury-woes-worse-rashee-070646729.html]. 2. **Tee Higgins' Status** - Alongside Rice, Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals remains in concussion protocol, further complicating fantasy football decisions for managers [https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/live/nfl-injury-tracker-latest-injury-news-fantasy-implications-as-rashee-rice-tee-higgins-remain-in-concussion-protocol-ahead-of-week-16-172338675.html]. 3. **Fantasy Football Implications** - The absence of key players like Rice and Higgins could significantly affect fantasy football lineups, as both players have been pivotal in their respective teams' offenses [https://www.si.com/onsi/fantasy/injuries/rashee-rice-concussion-protocol-risk-chiefs-pass-catchers]. ### Supporting Evidence of Injury Impact - **Rashee Rice's Performance Metrics**: - Rice has been a leading receiver for the Chiefs, with 53 receptions this season, making his absence particularly impactful for the team's passing game [https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/chiefs-wr-rashee-rice-enters-concussion-protocol-wont-practice-wednesday-ahead-of-titans-game-192436320.html]. - **Concussion Protocol Statistics**: - Players entering concussion protocol often miss at least one game, which is critical for teams in playoff contention [https://www.draftsharks.com/fantasy-football-news/81164/rashee-rice-in-concussion-protocol]. ### Summary of Findings In summary, **Rashee Rice's entry into the concussion protocol has confirmed his unavailability for Week 16**, significantly impacting the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive capabilities. The situation is compounded by Tee Higgins' similar status, creating a challenging landscape for fantasy football managers. 1. **Rashee Rice is ruled out for Week 16 due to concussion protocol**. 2. **Tee Higgins also remains in concussion protocol, affecting fantasy lineups**. 3. **Rice's absence is a major blow to the Chiefs, who rely on his contributions**. As the Chiefs prepare for their matchup against the Titans, the focus will be on how they adjust their game plan without Rice, and how fantasy managers navigate these injury challenges [https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/live/nfl-injury-tracker-latest-injury-news-fantasy-implications-as-rashee-rice-ruled-out-tee-higgins-remains-in-concussion-protocol-ahead-of-week-16-172338234.html].