NFL Makes Decision on Status of Chiefs' Rashee Rice Ahead of 2024 Season Opener

According to Mark Maske of The Washington Post, the NFL is not expected to place Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice on the commissioner's exempt list, making him eligible to play in the season opener on Sept. 5.

Rice faces eight felony counts in connection with a high-speed, multicar crash on a Dallas highway on March 30.

"The NFL is not expected to put Rashee Rice on paid leave via placement on the commissioner’s exempt list," Maske posted on X. "The league is expected to make a decision about a possible suspension of Rice once the legal process plays out, source says, leaving him eligible to play in the meantime."

Kansas City and the Baltimore Ravens kick off the season on Thursday, Sept. 5.

Rice faces a potential suspension under the NFL's personal conduct policy. The league's protocol is to allow a judicial process to finish before deciding on a suspension.

Rice's legal troubles stem from a serious car accident during the offseason on March 30. Police said his Lamborghini Urus reached 119 mph before causing a six-vehicle crash on a Dallas highway, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Dash cam footage from one of the vehicles driving by the crash showed Rice walking away from the scene with his passenger, the Morning News reported.

Since the incident, Rice has expressed a desire to turn his life around.

"I've learned so much from that," Rice said in an interview with ESPN. "All I can do is mature and continue to grow from that. This is a step in a better direction for me."

Rice was a crucial part of the Chiefs' offense last season, recording 79 catches for 938 yards and seven touchdowns, helping them secure their second straight Super Bowl victory. His potential absence could significantly impact the team's offensive dynamics as they look to defend their title.

Rice is facing eight felony charges, including one count of aggravated assault; one count of collision causing serious bodily injury; and six counts of collision involving injuries.

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