Rashee Rice Is Out vs. the Chargers. Here's Who Has to Step Up

The receiver room just got a lot thinner for Sunday.

Andy Reid announced Friday that Rashee Rice is out for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers with a right hamstring injury, per ESPN's Nate Taylor. Rice missed all three practices this week. He got hurt in the first quarter of the Week 4 comeback win over the Raiders, pulling up after a 7-yard catch, and didn't return. Reid also ruled out left tackle Josh Simmons, who practiced all week for the first time in almost two months but is still rebuilding his conditioning.

Our Take: This one stings because it stacks on top of the Tyquan Thornton news. Thornton is on injured reserve with a dislocated left ankle, and KCTV5 reports he has a chance to return in late December or January. Per ESPN, Rice and Thornton have combined for 24 catches, 409 yards and three touchdowns during the 4-0 start. That's the top two receivers in yards, both in street clothes.

So here's who has to step up. Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy become the go-to guys for Patrick Mahomes, and rookie Cyrus Allen and second-year man Jalen Royals should see their snaps climb. Allen was one of the stars of training camp. Mahomes said Wednesday, "They're ready. They've put in the work." Sunday is the day to prove it.

The good news: Reid called Rice "a pretty fast healer" and left the door open for a return next week against Seattle on Sunday Night Football. Keep it simple against L.A., protect Mahomes, and get Rice back healthy for the long haul.

Kickoff Sunday is 3:25 p.m. CT (2:25 p.m. MT).

Sources: ESPN, KCTV5, Chargers.com injury report