Rashee Rice to participate in Chiefs’ OTAs

Rice will fully participate in Kansas City’s OTAs, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The 24-year-old is facing eight felony charges stemming from a March hit-and-run incident. 

Earlier this month, he was accused of punching a photographer in the face. That, in turn, comes after it was learned that an incident dating back to his time in college was known by all teams before last year’s draft.

The Chiefs are expecting a suspension to be handed down for Rice as a result of the hit-and-run charges. The NFL will likely wait for the legal process to play out before making a decision, though, leaving the team free to proceed with him how they see fit. 

Rice participated virtually in the opening phase of Kansas City’s offseason program. OTAs represent the most important stage of that process in terms of on-field work, and he will be available to take part.

The SMU product proved to be a key component of the Chiefs’ passing attack during his rookie season, amassing 938 yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season. 

Rice added a 26-262-1 stat line during the team’s run to a second straight Super Bowl title, and he projects to remain a focal point on offense absent his legal situation(s). To little surprise, the team has invested in the wide receiver spot this offseason.

Kansas City signed Marquise Brown in free agency before trading up to select fellow speedster Xavier Worthy in the first round of the draft. 

Both wideouts will have a notable role for the Chiefs in 2024, and the same should remain true for Rice whenever he is allowed to rejoin the team following a potential suspension. The latter is positioned to resume activities with the team for the time being.