Fans were thrilled to have wide receiver Rashee Rice return to the field for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025. After a promising rookie season in 2023 that ended with a Super Bowl win, it was devastating to see him go down with injuries to his LCL and hamstring in 2024.
While he recently dealt with a minor groin issue in training camp, the larger concern is a looming suspension tied to off-field matters. With a hearing scheduled for Sept. 30, Rice could miss time as early as Week 5. That possibility raises serious questions about his availability and role this season.
What Has Fans Worried About Rashee Rice in 2025?
August 27 Update: Rice agreed to accept a six game suspension. That is lengthy, but most importantly, it gives clarity. There is no longer a risk that Rice’s suspension bleeds into the fantasy playoffs. He will miss Weeks 1-6 and then return to his usual WR1 self afterwards.
It also doesn’t hurt that Rice will get an extra six weeks to recover from his knee injury (although he looked perfectly healthy in the preseason).
Rice seems to be recovering from the groin injury that kept him out of the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. He is expected to be fully healthy and ready to play for the Week 1 season opener.
While Rice has proven himself to earn targets at a high rate, he’s facing a suspension that could be in the range of 6 to 8 games. It’s also likely to come midseason, which is bad news because you have to deal with bye weeks.
While I understand the appeal of Rice as the potential WR1 for Patrick Mahomes, I’d prefer to steer clear given this uncertainty. The better move is to pay up for Xavier Worthy, who came on down the stretch during the playoff run.
It’s great to see this growth from Rashee Rice as a more versatile route runner.
Last year, he almost exclusively caught slants 5 yards downfield.
This year, he’s catching slants 12 yards downfield.pic.twitter.com/F2Is1baobJ
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) September 6, 2024
We also have to acknowledge that Rice is coming off a serious knee injury, which could affect his performance when he does suit up. Even though the price has dipped significantly on Rice, there’s a real risk that he’ll wind up as deadweight on your roster.
Considering these factors, I’m fading Rice even at the discount, preferring players like Jaylen Waddle instead.
Rice’s Fantasy Football Outlook
Rice has dealt with a minor groin tweak during training camp, but that is not a concern. What is a concern is his upcoming suspension. Currently, he’s slated to play the first four games before his hearing on Sept. 30. That would have his suspension start anywhere from Week 5 onward, depending on how long a decision takes.
The impending suspension is the result of a car accident that occurred during the 2024 offseason in Dallas, Texas. The wreck led to 30 days in jail. While Rice was not charged with a DUI, he did cause a multi-car collision because of his reckless driving. He was going at least 119 mph. Rice also chose to flee the scene rather than render aid or check on any of the injured, but later expressed remorse for leaving.
