Kansas City will open the 2025 season without wide receiver Rashee Rice.
The NFL has suspended Rice for the first six games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The suspension, announced Wednesday, is without pay and also prohibits him from practicing with the team. He’ll be eligible to return in Week 7 against the Raiders on Oct. 13.
The ban stems from Rice’s March 2024 high-speed crash in Dallas that caused a multi-car pileup. He pled guilty to two felony charges and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, along with paying roughly $115,000 to cover victims’ medical expenses. Prosecutors said Rice was driving 119 mph in a Lamborghini SUV, fled the scene on foot, and did not check on the other drivers.
The NFL initially pushed for a double-digit suspension, but after discussions with the NFLPA, both sides settled on six games.
Rice will miss matchups against the Chargers (Week 1 in Brazil), Eagles, Giants, Ravens, Jaguars, and Lions.
The 25-year-old, now entering his third season, was Kansas City’s top wideout as a rookie in 2023, posting 79 catches, 938 yards, and seven touchdowns en route to a Super Bowl win. His second year was cut short after a Week 4 knee injury. He returned healthy this summer and caught a touchdown in preseason action before Wednesday’s ruling.
