Looming suspension for Rashee Rice could provide opportunities for both young and veteran WRs to make Chiefs' 53-man roster

A sentence was handed down to Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice on Thursday regarding a multi-vehicle crash he was involved in back in March of 2024.

It is expected that Rice will soon receive a suspension from the NFL, which he could begin serving at the start of the 2025 regular season. Rice has been out of action since suffering a torn LCL in his right knee in Week 4 of last season. 

Before going down with the injury, Rice was establishing himself as a top tier WR, leading the league in receptions and ranking second in receiving yards. The Chiefs are eager to get him back, but they could be better equipped this year to replace him than they were last year. 

Let's take a look at some WRs who could make an impact while Rice is out, and some who may now have a path towards making Kansas City's 53-man roster that may not have otherwise.

Jalen Royals

The Chiefs' 2025 fourth-round pick is probably who first comes to mind given the comparisons he has to Rice. The physical traits are certainly there, but how much Royals can handle mentally will be the key.

K.C.'s coaching staff typically brings its WRs along slowly, but Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyreek Hill have been exceptions in the past. If Royals proves to be up to the task, he could the third option behind Worthy and Hollywood Brown on the WR depth chart with Rice out.

JuJu Smith-Schuster

Before the news about Rice's sentencing came out, I listed Smith-Schuster as a potential cut candidate ahead of Week 1. However, Rice's likely incoming suspension could give Smith-Schuster a little more security. Smith-Schuster's biggest advantage is being the most experienced WR on K.C.'s roster.

In the week after Rice went down with his injury last season, Smith-Schuster caught seven passes for 130 yards. Unfortunately, he injured his hamstring the following week, and made little to no impact the rest of the year. If not as many young WRs step up as the Chiefs hope, Smith-Schuster is a solid insurance policy.

Tyquan Thornton

Injury issues have made people forget that Thornton was a second-round draft pick by the New England Patriots back in 2022. He drew praise from coach Andy Reid during mandatory minicamp, and has also been working closely with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. 

Thornton is a different type of WR than Rice, Royals, and Smith-Schuster, but his versatility and speed are a perfect fit for Reid's offense. Thornton also brings special teams value, which is always an X-factor for determining the Chiefs' 53-man roster.

Skyy Moore

Most Chiefs fans are down on Moore after the disappointing start he's had to his career, but K.C. is giving him one more chance. Entering his fourth season, Moore knows the ins and outs of the playbook, and can play all three WR positions (X, Z, and Zebra).

He also brings experience as a kick returner. However, at the end of the day Moore has to put it all together on the field, which he's yet to be able to do. Training camp and preseason will be Moore's last gasp, but Rice's pending suspension have made things a bit easier for him.