The metaphorical elephant in the room as the Chiefs begin training camp is Rashee Rice’s uncertain status for the season. There’s an assumption he’ll be suspended eventually, though there’s been no indication as to when exactly that will be, or for how many games.
Unfortunately, answers don’t seem to be coming soon. Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star reported that Clark Hunt told him there have been no discussions with the NFL about the potential suspension.
That raises a question of whether a suspension is coming at all this season, or if the Chiefs could be at risk of losing Rice in the middle of the season or potentially even into the playoffs.
Clark Hunt tells @SamMcDowell11 there has been no discussions with the NFL regarding a possible suspension for WR Rashee Rice. Potential punishment still a ways off.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) July 22, 2024
Roger Goodell has said the NFL will wait for the legal process to play out before issuing a suspension, though that could last well into the season.
The worst-case scenario for the Chiefs would be to lose Rice in the middle of the campaign. If he’s suspended at the beginning of the year, the offense can adjust and know they’ll get him back for the stretch run. However, the uncertainty causes some concern.
Say, for example, that the NFL waits until Week 10 to suspend Rice, causing the Chiefs to lose a rising star during one of the most important parts of the schedule. I think it’s more likely the league would give Rice a suspension in the following season instead, but there’s no way to be sure.
For now, Rice is participating in training camp and the organization is operating as if he’ll play the whole year. After he became one of the most important parts of the offense in his rookie year, expectations are high as the team tries to win its third straight Super Bowl.
Until we know for sure when, or if, he’ll be suspended, that worrisome black cloud will continue hanging over training camp, no matter how exciting the first couple of days have been.
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Publish date : 2024-07-22 14:49:00
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