KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense is entering a new phase as training resumes after NFL teams were required to finalize their rosters to 53 players. The atmosphere during practice on Wednesday was notably subdued, primarily due to the absence of wide receiver Rashee Rice.
Just hours before hitting the field, Rice—who has quickly become quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ go-to receiver in his third NFL season—was handed a six-game suspension for breaching the league’s personal conduct policy. The announcement came from the NFL on Wednesday afternoon.
Rice will not make his return until the Chiefs’ home game against the Las Vegas Raiders on October 7, during Week 7 of the season. This news resolves one mystery surrounding the team (the timing of Rice’s suspension) but raises another critical question: How will the Chiefs adapt their offense without their top receiver?
The coaching staff has anticipated this situation, crafting a plan that leverages the remaining roster of receivers, including Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Tyquan Thornton.
“This isn’t a last-minute decision; we’ve considered the possibility of Rice’s suspension long before Week 1,” offensive coordinator Matt Nagy stated last week. “We had to juggle various elements, including his health and our overall strategy.”
The preparations began as early as the opening day of training camp, where Rice was the standout target for Mahomes. During the initial 7-on-7 drills, he showcased his speed and route-running ability, connecting with Mahomes for a 12-yard touchdown in the red zone.
However, the following day saw rookie receiver Jalen Royals take the field in Rice’s absence, alongside Smith-Schuster and Thornton.
When the Chiefs square off against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 5 in São Paulo, Mahomes is expected to implement a strategy featuring two tight ends—Travis Kelce and Noah Gray. Slot duties, which Rice typically handles, will likely fall to Smith-Schuster and Brown. Meanwhile, Worthy and Thornton are positioned to challenge the Chargers’ secondary, headed by safety Derwin James Jr.
“Our coaches have laid out a game plan we’ll stick to, no matter who’s on the field,” Gray mentioned on Wednesday. “I’m confident in every player stepping up. We’re eager to face the Chargers.”
The Chiefs’ preseason finale against the Chicago Bears foreshadowed an offense that doesn’t hinge solely on Rice. Mahomes’ longest completion was a 58-yard pass to Thornton. Worthy impressed with his evasive skills on a short reception, while Smith-Schuster executed a challenging catch in traffic. Brown did not participate.
The Chiefs recognize that Rice’s absence will undoubtedly affect their offensive strength.
Mahomes’ successful touchdown connection with Rice against the Bears exemplified their chemistry, showcasing Rice’s ability to gain after-the-catch yards due to his speed and strength—an asset sorely missed after he was sidelined with a knee injury last season. Rice demonstrated his resilience by gaining additional yards on a quick reception against the Bears’ coverage.
“Losing Rashee is a significant loss,” Mahomes commented. “He’s a player who can turn short throws into big plays, disrupting defenses. We have others like Xavier and Hollywood who can step up and make those game-changing plays.”
Sources indicate that Rice accepted the suspension with foresight, even though his disciplinary hearing was set for September 30. Following a multicar incident that injured several individuals, Rice previously received a 30-day jail sentence and five years of probation earlier this year. He pled guilty to charges related to the crash.
Choosing to serve his suspension early in the season will help avoid disruptions as the Chiefs aim for playoff positioning later in the year, and it allows him to focus on rehabilitation for his knee to ensure an optimal comeback.
During training camp, Rice emphasized his commitment to maintaining fitness during his suspension. “This is my job and my passion,” he stated. “Even when I’m sidelined, I intend to work hard to rejoin my teammates swiftly.”
Rice recognizes that strong performance upon his return could lead to a lucrative contract extension, underscoring his drive to improve and contribute to the team’s success throughout the season.
“I focus on controlling what I can control,” Rice reiterated. “Opportunities like this, to learn from great coaches and play with an elite quarterback, are invaluable. I’ve grown from past experiences and am eager to show my development.”