Kansas City Chiefs OTAs: Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown return to practice, but one notable absence persists

The big question with Rice remains: Did his season-ending knee injury from 2024 limit him in these first padless practice sessions?

The latest from Patrick Mahomes suggests that Rice would have no limitations upon his return to practice. According to Mahomes, Rice wasn't limited in workouts this summer in Texas. Still, the Chiefs are historically cautious when returning players from significant injuries. 

While Rice and Brown were back at practice in some capacity on Monday, at least one player remained absent. . .

Chiefs RG Trey Smith remains absent from practice amidst long-term contract negotiations

During the first week of OTAs, Chiefs starting RG Trey Smith was among the players absent from the first three practices. He still hasn't attended OTAs to participate in practice, which shouldn't be a huge shock to fans. Firstly, these are voluntary workouts. Smith is staying away while seeking a long-term contract extension on the franchise tag. That's the smart move for Smith and the franchise, not to risk injury during this juncture of the offseason. It protects both parties from potential financial problems should an injury occur. 

This isn't indicative of some contract-related tensions, but rather just the seasonality of the NFL. Smith will take advantage of some time off, knowing he won't be fined. He also knows there is a ticking timer for his side and the Chiefs to agree on a long-term deal. As a franchise-tagged player, the two sides have until July 15 at 4:00 p.m. ET to agree to a long-term contract extension. If Smith does not agree to a long-term deal by this date, he will play out the season under the franchise tag on a fully guaranteed $23.4M one-year contract.

The latest out of the Chiefs' camp on negotiations with Smith was positive, with Brett Veach noting, "There’s no secret there that we’d like to get Trey (Smith) locked up.”