Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes isn’t worried about Rashee Rice’s status, and fans shouldn’t be either. After missing the media portion of OTAs on May 29, Rice sparked concern, but both Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid shut down any long-term worries.
The second-year wideout may have only played four games in 2024, but Mahomes made it clear that Rice is still very much a centerpiece of the Chiefs’ offense heading into 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice Drawing Rave Reviews From Patrick Mahomes
Andy Reid confirmed Rice’s absence from Day 3 of voluntary OTAs was due to illness, not injury. “He’s actually one of the guys under the weather,” Reid said. “In Phase 2, he was great. We’ve kept him at home here this week.”
Mahomes doubled down with a glowing review. “He looks like Rashee,” the quarterback said. “There’s no limitations. He’s out there making plays on the football field. He’s explosive; he looks fast. You saw the start of last season.”
And that start was no fluke. Despite appearing in just four games before a season-ending knee injury in Week 4, Rice hauled in 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns, an average of 96 yards per game.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes explained that WR Rashee Rice looks like he did last year right now. Already, Rice looks “explosive and fast,” says Mahomes. https://t.co/8cB2VLavlI
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) May 29, 2025
His standout performance came in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons, where he posted 12 catches for 110 yards and a score. That version of Rice — dominant and dynamic — is what Mahomes says is back at Arrowhead.
“I think he can be one of the best receivers in the league,” Mahomes added. “Just to have him with Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and all these other guys … it’s another position [GM Brett] Veach has done a great job of bringing in competition, so that we can go out there and make a lot of plays.”
Chiefs’ Offense Looks To Bounce Back in 2025
Rice wasn’t the only one to miss time in 2024. Marquise Brown, Mecole Hardman, and Skyy Moore all dealt with injuries, and the wide receiver group never fully clicked. Even as the Chiefs pushed through to another Super Bowl, the offense looked out of rhythm at times — a weakness the Eagles ultimately exposed.
But things may finally be turning the corner. The next media viewing for OTAs is scheduled for June 4, and Rice is expected back if he’s feeling better.
READ MORE: Patrick Mahomes Shares Blunt Take on Travis Kelce’s Future Amid Rumors of TE’s Possible Retirement
Mahomes also addressed the future of Travis Kelce, shutting down retirement rumors. “The way he’s talking about working, trying to be even better this year than last … it doesn’t seem like a guy it’s his last ride.”
If Rice stays healthy and Kelce remains a force, Mahomes may have his full arsenal firing again. And with Kansas City retooling on both sides of the ball, the Chiefs are right back in the Super Bowl mix, again.
