Chiefs’ Rice set to debut after suspension: NFL heating up

Rashee Rice Ready to Return to the Field with the Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs star receiver Rashee Rice is set for his return to the field after serving a six-game suspension imposed by the NFL. Rice, who missed the first few weeks of the season, has had a solid practice week and is poised to have a significant role on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. In his first public statements after meeting with his teammates, Rice revealed that during his suspension he stayed in shape by training in Florida and Texas. He did individual workouts focused on improving his running technique, strength, fitness, and speed.

I tried to stay warm, like in St. Joseph, Missouri. I trained Monday through Friday and did some kind of training on Sunday to prepare my mind and be ready for a game day.

Rashee Rice

In July, Rice was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation for his involvement in a multiple-vehicle car accident in Dallas during the 2024 offseason. The receiver pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges: collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. He received a deferred adjudication and the case will be dismissed if he completes probation.

Honestly, it was a decision that was the best not only for me, but for the team, to be able to be here now. All that is already in the past, so I’m ready to play. I learned that I love football. It’s probably my second love [after my family], but I was able to realize how mentally strong I am by being able to face a lot of adversity at that time.

Rashee Rice

Coach Andy Reid, after observing Rice during three practices, was optimistic about the receiver’s ability to quickly regain his form. It looked good. It’s not a game, but what we asked him to do, he did well. You can tell he’s in good shape. That’s always your concern when someone misses a few weeks because it’s different when you’re playing. But he worked hard, so now it’s just a matter of getting into a game and getting reps. We’ll see how all that goes. In his rookie season in 2023, Rice led the Chiefs’ receivers with 79 receptions for 938 yards and seven touchdowns. Last year, he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4. In four games, he accumulated 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns. The game on Sunday will mark the first time Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Hollywood Brown, the team’s main receiving trio, will play together. Even without Rice, the Chiefs have averaged 31.6 points in the last three games.

This week is very important. I am very excited to be there to compete.

Rashee Rice

On the other hand, rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, the Chiefs’ first-round pick in 2025, missed practice this week and is not expected to be available for Sunday’s game. Coach Reid indicated that Simmons’ absence is due to a “family situation”. Simmons returned to his hometown of San Diego for a personal reason, according to the team. Coach Reid did not provide a timeline for Simmons’ return to the team.