Rashee Rice suspension fallout gets worse for Chiefs with rookie injury

The Rashee Rice suspension is officially confirmed, and the former second-round pick will be suspended for the first six games of the 2025 regular season. It was a brutal blow for the Kansas City Chiefs, who will be without one of their best weapons for the first month and a half of the season.

The Chiefs knew this hammer was going to come down, though, and they did what they could to soften the blow. One player who Chiefs fans figured would slide into Rice's role while he was out was fourth-round pick Jalen Royals, who was an exciting Day 3 selection for the team.

Royals profiles as a similar receiver to Rice, a receiver who is explosive after the catch, but unfortunately, he's probably not going to be available for Week 1 either.

While speaking to the media before Week 1, Andy Reid initially said that Royals' timeline for a return to the field after a bout with knee tendinitis was behind other players. Later in the week, Reid stated that Royals wasn't likely to play in Week 1 at all.

Rashee Rice’s replacement plan hits major snag after untimely injury

The news is unfortunate because Royals' opportunity for early reps (and development as a rookie) was there for the taking with Rice suspended. Rice is so dangerous in a Chiefs' offense that thrives on generating yards after the catch. The Chiefs have other playmakers on offense, so they were never going to be dependent on Royals, but it was an open window for him if available.

This means that the Chiefs have six receivers for Week 1. Those receivers are Hollywood Brown, Jason Brownlee, Nikko Remigio, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, and Xavier Worthy. It's not the worst situation to be in, but considering Royals was expected to be a big piece for the offense during Rice's suspension, it's a loss for the player and team.

Royals was always a long-term play at the position, but it's disappointing that fans won't get to see him step up while Rice is out. This would have been the perfect time for the rookie to shine, and now when he does come back, it'll be in a reduced role.