Rashee Rice is heading into his fourth NFL season, but his training camp efforts have already raised some questions.
The Kansas City Chiefs receiver was already under scrutiny after footage from the first few days of training camp portrayed him in an unflattering light. Now, another clip from a recent practice session has added to the uneasiness among fans and analysts, who didn’t like what they saw from Rice.
Rashee Rice’s Training Camp Clip Sparks Criticism
On Aug. 18, local sports reporter Matt Foster shared footage from the Chiefs’ training session. The footage showed cornerback Nohl Williams making life difficult for wide receivers during intense 1-on-1 drills.
However, one particular rep drew most of the attention. Williams stayed tight to Rice throughout the sequence, leaving the receiver little room to work. Rice could not create separation before the play ended with an incompletion.
Soon after, social media users began questioning what they were seeing from the Chiefs receiver.
Analyst and podcaster Lew bluntly wrote, “Rice doesn’t look the same”.
Rice doesn’t look the same https://t.co/B1ajychLAF
— Lew 🏈🏀⚾️🥊 (@droppedballs_fb) August 19, 2026
Another user compared Rice’s performance to a viral Druski reaction, writing, “Rashee Rice [expletive] looks like that one Druski meme out there. Mildly concerned.”
NFL writer John Frascella focused directly on Rice’s ability to get open, writing, “Rashee Rice CANNOT separate. But Cyrus Allen, on the other hand, hmm.”
The comparison continued when another person added, “Look how the perceived WR1 moves vs how Cyrus Allen moves”.
Look how the perceived WR1 moves vs how Cyrus Allen moves https://t.co/BHftWSc7TF
— Dylan Dawson (@dtdawsonn) August 18, 2026
Rice’s availability has also become a concern for fans heading into the 2026 season.
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He posted a 76.3 grade in PFN’s Wide Receiver Impact Metric last season. Still, injuries have limited him to just 12 games for the Chiefs across the last two campaigns.
Rice missed the first six games of 2025 after the NFL suspended him over a high-speed hit-and-run. A Dallas County judge sentenced him to five years of probation and 30 days in jail. Rice must also pay $115,481.91 in restitution for victims’ medical expenses.
Then, in May, he underwent cleanup surgery on his right knee. That could be one reason why Rice looked different during camp. Still, fans have not exactly shown patience with his recent reps.
One person compared his route work with Cyrus Allen, writing, “Look at the difference in release and route from Rice to Allen, whyyyy 4 is so pitiful.”
Another fan then reacted to Rice’s performance, adding, “4 🤣🤣🤣.”
The criticism continued as more viewers focused on Rice’s inability to separate during practice.
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One user joked about his movement, writing, “Rashee in handcuffs in every clip 😭”.
Another fan raised an even more direct question, asking, “Has Rashee gotten open one time all camp??”
Has Rashee gotten open one time all camp?? https://t.co/Ws8lODUlkE
— WeedHumphrey (@WeedHumphrey) August 18, 2026
Rice has time to improve before Week 1, which means the Chiefs can afford to let him regain his explosiveness. But if Rice is shaky on the field heading into Week 2, Andy Reid will have some decisions to make.
