Rashee Rice will return to the field for the first time since his multiple off-field incidents.
The Chiefs' second-year wide receiver plans to attend the team's organized team activities (OTAs) this week, according to Adam Schefter. This comes despite Rice's two impending police investigations stemming from a multi-car accident in Dallas in April and an alleged assault of a photographer in May.
While no decisions have been made about Rice's availability in 2024, the Chiefs expect a "multi-game suspension" from the NFL following these two investigations. Rice finished his rookie season in 2023 with 79 receptions for 938 yards and seven touchdowns as the Chiefs went on to win their second consecutive Super Bowl.
Rice's first off-field incident occurred in April when police discovered one of the cars that caused a six-vehicle accident on a Dallas highway was registered or leased to the Chiefs' wide receiver. A Chevrolet Corvette and a Lamborghini SUV lost control after speeding and crashed, causing subsequent crashes and a few minor injuries. Police later determined Rice was the driver of the Lamborghini, and he now faces eight felony charges.
Another investigation popped up weeks later when Rice allegedly assaulted a photographer at a Dallas nightclub. Reports from this investigation remain few and far between at the moment.
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice to attend OTAs despite multiple off-field incidents
An impending NFL suspension doesn't exclude Rice from offseason team activities. Saints running back Alvin Kamara and Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson both practiced after the NFL issued their suspensions over the past two years.
So while Rice awaits his fate, he'll get some opportunities to play with his teammates for the first time since the Super Bowl and his off-field investigations.
Rice returns to a team where he was expected to play a big role. However, the Chiefs added some other weapons to complement and perhaps take over for Rice should he be out for an extended period of time. Kansas City signed Marquise Brown in free agency and drafted Xavier Worthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Both should play key roles in Andy Reid's offense for Patrick Mahomes, even if Rice is in the line-up.
Rice's presence at practice is also good for him to show the team, the media and Chiefs fans that he can atone for his actions. That is, if he talks about it. While Kamara was open about his situation this past season, Watson didn't really discuss his legal issues with the media in 2022. Rice is still in the middle of two police investigations, meaning there's a chance he isn't allowed to talk about ongoing cases.
The Chiefs haven't said much either since the incidents became public. Owner Clark Hunt said on Day 3 of the NFL Draft that he's "very disappointed with the situation with Rashee and how that's unfolded" but affirmed Rice's position on the team. Reid and Mahomes also refused to comment considering the ongoing legal process.
Rice's status will be one of the biggest question marks in the Chiefs' quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl.