Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has one of the widest ranges of outcomes for any star player in the upcoming season. At his best, the former second-round pick has already established himself as one of Patrick Mahomes’ best receivers and can be the focal point of the passing attack. However, he’s also returning from a season-ending knee injury and could face a suspension for his involvement in a 2024 car crash in Texas. While he has yet to face any official league discipline for his actions, we may have a timeline for when the NFL could announce his suspension.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the NFL will not suspend Rashee Rice “until the criminal case ends.” Rashee Rice is currently facing at least eight felony charges, but his case has yet to be resolved.

Chiefs Rashee Rice Suspension Update

Nobody knows how long the criminal case will last, but Florio’s article suggests he likely won’t face a suspension in the 2025 season. As the analyst points out, “[e]ven if the case against Rice ended today, time would be required for the league’s procedures under Personal Conduct Policy to unfold.” Assuming he’s healthy, Rice should remain a crucial part of Kansas City’s passing attack as they look to rebound from their embarrassing Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

At the time of his injury, Rashee Rice led the Chiefs with 24 receptions for 288 yards while finding the endzone twice. Once he’s back to full speed, he should regain his role as the top option in the passing attack. Travis Kelce isn’t getting younger, and 2024 first-round pick Xavier Worthy didn’t do enough as a rookie to usurp a healthy Rice in the pecking order.