Rashee Rice receives sentencing; what that means for 2025

It has been a little over a year since Rashee Rice was involved in a multi-vehicle accident in Texas, and a ruling on the case has finally been made.

ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that Rice was sentenced to 30 days of jail time and five years of probation for his role in the incident last offseason. Schefter also stated that the 25-year-old receiver is expected to face a multi-game suspension, which seems likely to occur during the 2025 season.

The report coincides with the release from the Dallas County District Attorney's office that Rice pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges -- collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury.

As mentioned, the NFL now has sufficient information to proceed with the disciplinary process and is likely to suspend Rice during the 2025 season.

"We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter, which remains under review," NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy told Schefter.

Losing Rice for multiple games is a blow for the Kansas City Chiefs, but the organization believes the suspension will not be a lengthy one.

Chiefs beat writer Matt Derrick states, "I've been told by sources in the organization the Chiefs believe Rice may get a suspension of 2-4 games."

For context, in that stretch, Kansas City visits the Los Angeles Chargers (in Mexico), hosts the Philadelphia Eagles, visits the New York Giants, and hosts the Baltimore Ravens in the first four weeks of the 2025 season.

In this case, the Chiefs will undoubtedly be short-handed against at least three formidable opponents, and Rice's absence could prove costly in those contests.

Rice only played in three full games last season before going down with a season-ending ACL and PCL tear against the Chargers in Week 4. Although it is disappointing that Kansas City will most likely roll out the season without its top pass-catching option, the Chiefs have been in this situation before and have proven they can win games without Rice in the lineup. 

That being said, Kansas City's offense will be less explosive and effective if Rice does indeed serve a suspension in 2025.

In three games in 2024, Rice led the team with 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns.