As the Kansas City Chiefs‘ offseason continues, there’s a new piece of news that is extremely relevant to the look of Andy Reid’s offense.
Per a July 17 report from Adam Schefter of ESPN, there’s been serious movement regarding wide receiver Rashee Rice‘s legal situation. According to Schefter, a Dallas County judge sentenced Rice to five years of probation and 30 days of jail time stemming from a March 2024 vehicle crash.
New Report Drops Huge News on Chiefs WR Rashee Rice
“ESPN sources: A Dallas County judge just sentenced Chiefs WR Rashee Rice to five years probation and 30 days of jail time that can be served during those five years stemming for his role in a multi-car crash in Dallas during the 2024 offseason,” Schefter’s post on X began. “Now that the judge has ruled, the NFL can expedite its disciplinary process and Rice is likely to receive a multi-game suspension.”
In separate posts, Schefter provided even more context to the Rice situation. Rice received “deferred adjudication,” per Schefter, which means his case will be dismissed should he successfully complete his probation.
Additionally, Schefter alluded to a potential timeline for any suspension Rice may face from the NFL. Should a suspension be handed down, Schefter said the “expectation” is that Rice “will serve his suspension during the upcoming season.”
This news comes exactly two weeks after a January 20, 2026 jury trial date was circulated. That’s related to a civil suit against Rice, not a criminal trial date being set.
Rice’s lawyer, Royce West, released a statement on his behalf on Thursday.
“Last March, I was involved in a high-speed accident in Dallas,” the statement began. “There have been a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages that my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole. I urge everyone to mind the speed limit, drive safe and drive smart. Last and certainly not least, I am profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property. I fully apologize for the harm I caused to innocent drivers and their families.”
In another post on X, Schefter relayed a statement from Brian McCarthy of NFL communications.
“We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review,” McCarthy said, per Schefter.
Kansas City Offense Would Take Major Hit Should Rice Miss Time
It’s been tough sledding for Rice since the aforementioned accident. Just four weeks into the 2024-25 NFL season, the former second-round pick suffered a serious knee injury. It happened via friendly fire from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, ending his season as a result. Rice’s progress was a feel-good story during the organized team activity (OTA) portion of the offseason, but this news brings that sentiment much closer to reality.
Prior to his injury, Rice was the Chiefs’ leading option on offense. In his first three games, he hauled in 24 passes for 288 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Not only did Rice pass tight end Travis Kelce as the go-to man for Mahomes, but he looked destined for a real breakout. A previous injury to wideout Marquise “Hollywood” Brown made Rice’s ailment hurt the team even more.
Rice missing any period of time this coming season puts the Chiefs in a bind. They’d be relying on Brown, second-year receiver Xavier Worthy and Kelce to lead the way. Veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster and rookie Jalen Royals would likely be next up in the pecking order at the wideout position.
For a club with championship aspirations, being without a promising young weapon would pose a serious challenge. That determination is now in the league’s hands.
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