Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice faces a big unknown going into the 2025 season as his criminal charges remain unresolved.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio gave an update on Rice’s situation on Thursday as the team’s mandatory minicamp concluded, which Rice participated in. He was connected to a high-speed car crash in Dallas during March 2024, which led to eight criminal charges.
NFL Won’t Move Quickly With Case of Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice
Florio explored the possible direction for the league, which allowed Rice to play a full season in 2024.
“He has yet to be suspended by the league, despite facing (at last word) eight felony charges,” Florio wrote. “That’s because the league won’t take action until the criminal case ends. The case has not ended.”
“It’s not clear when it will. Regardless, the league will do nothing until it does,” Florio added.
That could change for Rice, as Florio noted, if fresh evidence arises. Florio wrote that paid leave could be a possibility if so.
“Even if the case against Rice ended today, time would be required for the league’s procedures under the Personal Conduct Policy to unfold. Up to and including a hearing before Judge Sue Robinson,” Florio wrote.
Of course, Rice didn’t play most of the 2024 season due to a knee injury in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers, so Rice playing quickly became a moot point last year. Rice had 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns at the time, and he looks to return for a strong season on the field in 2025.
— Doub11e_R (@RiceRashee11) June 15, 2025
“We got a lot of guys,” Rice told reporters via KPRC’s Aaron Wilson at minicamp. “We are deep in depth in the wide receiver group. We’re going to be explosive this year. We’re just excited to put on a show, to be honest. We know it’s gonna be a show. The only thing in the way right now is time, so we’re just waiting patiently.”
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Rice can be part of that offense. Reid gave an injury status update on both Rice and offensive tackle Josh Simmons.
“They’re both ready to go, yeah,” Reid told reporters on Thursday. “They actually got great work in these camps here.”
KEEP READING: Rashee Rice Injury Update: Latest on Chiefs WR’s Status for Kansas City’s Training Camp
As Florio noted, the ambiguity of Rice’s legal situation may not get in the way of his 2025 season. It buys Rice time to make the most of his third season, a critical one for a player on his rookie contract, Florio pointed out.
“If he plays all of 2025 and plays well, he likely will have laid the foundation for his second contract,” Florio wrote.
Only time– and the courtroom– will decide if Rice can truly outrun the shadows chasing his breakout.