Chiefs WR Rashee Rice Will Serve Suspension to Begin NFL Season

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice will miss the first six games of the 2025 season after accepting an NFL suspension, per a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

#What it means

The league and players’ union are finalizing the agreement, which would allow Rice to rejoin Kansas City in Week 7 when they face the Las Vegas Raiders.

The punishment follows Rice’s guilty plea last month to two felony charges tied to a multi-vehicle crash in March 2024 that left several people hurt. He was convicted of third-degree felonies related to causing serious injury in a collision and street racing that resulted in bodily harm.

Investigators determined Rice’s car had been moving at speeds above 119 mph on Dallas’ North Central Expressway at the time of the incident.

#Chiefs receiver impact

Kansas City can absorb short-term roster problems better than most teams because of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, but Rice’s absence still changes the early-season target picture. The Chiefs will need other receivers to handle more volume, win underneath, and keep the offense efficient while Rice is away.

The timing also matters for playoff positioning. A six-game absence does not define the Chiefs’ season, but it can affect rhythm, receiver roles, and how much the offense leans on Travis Kelce and the run game before the wide receiver room is whole again.