THE Kansas City Chiefs are working on gameplans for when Rashee Rice is eventually suspended.
Rice was sentenced last week for his involvement in a 2024 hit and run, and the NFL is expected to drop a hefty suspension on him.
Andy Reid is working on adjusting to life without Rashee Rice[/caption]
A new receiver is expected to step up during Rice’s eventual suspension[/caption]
Rice missed most of the 2024 season due to a torn ACL, and now he is set to miss a good chunk of the 2025 season with a suspension.
While the NFL has yet to decide on the length of his suspension, it is nearly guaranteed that Rice will receive one.
Rice was set to return to the Chiefs as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver, and will likely serve in that role when he returns from suspension.
However, he is going to begin the season on the sideline.
Rice is forming an early connection with Patrick Mahomes in training camp this year, with Chiefs reporter Nate Taylor indicating that he was the most targeted receiver on Tuesday.
That connection is going to have to last through a long waiting period though.
At the time of Rice’s crash, NFL reporter James Palmer said Rice could miss half of the 2025 season.
“He’s gonna be suspended, let’s put it out there,” Palmer said.
“They’re expecting half the season at least.”
With Rice out for an extended period of time, the Chiefs will need to pivot to other talents.
The team already has speedster Xavier Worthy on the roster, who will likely slide into the WR1 role while Rice is out.
However, a new name is likely to step up and get a good amount of reps early in the season.
The Chiefs used a fourth-round draft pick on wide receiver Jalen Royals out of Utah State in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Royals is already getting reps with the starting players just a few days into training camp.
This could be an indication that head coach Andy Reid already trusts him to step up into the WR2 spot.
Rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals is getting reps with the Chiefs starters[/caption]
Fans are convinced that Royals is Reid’s backup plan for Rice, and shared their theories on social media.
“Preparing for life without Rashee Rice,” one fan said.
“Gotta plan for when Rice is not available,” another fan said.
“Telling you, dudes gonna be a stud,” a third fan said.
“LFG!!! Love to see Royals lining up and playing with the 1’s/starters!” a fourth fan said.
