Report: Chiefs 'Expect' Suspension For Wide Receiver Rashee Rice
25/04/2024 22:54
The Kansas City Chiefs will conclude the NFL Draft's opening round with the No. 32 pick. With Rashee Rice's possible absence to start the 2024 season, the Chiefs could give extra thought to a wide receiver.
According to former NFL Network insider James Palmer, the Chiefs expect Rice to get suspended. However, they don't know how many games he'll miss in conjunction with a hit-and-run crash last month.
"We'll see if this impacts their plans with pick 32," Palmer wrote. "Last year KC tried to trade up for a WR. Will they try again this year?"
Kansas City drafted Rice with the No. 55 pick out of SMU last year. While the team's wide receivers struggled mightily throughout the season, the rookie led the group with 79 catches, 938 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Rice's role increased throughout the season before he caught 26 of 33 targets for 262 yards and a touchdown during the playoffs. But he now faces a messy off-field situation.
Rice was allegedly driving a Lamborghini as fast as 119 mph when causing a multi-car crash on a Dallas highway.
He allegedly left the scene without checking on anyone or exchanging information. Four people were treated for injuries.
Police charged Rice and former SMU teammate Theodore Knox with aggravated assault and multiple counts of collision involving bodily injury. The Chiefs star turned himself over to Glenn Heights police two weeks ago.
Rice has since posted videos of him running routes, presumably with Patrick Mahomes.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier this week that Kansas City anticipates the NFL disciplining Rice with "at least a multi-game suspension." That could make wide receiver even more of a pressing draft need for the defending Super Bowl champions.
