NFL Makes Decision on Status of Chiefs' Rashee Rice

The Kansas City Chiefs will at least have wide receiver Rashee Rice on the field at the start of the 2024 season. The NFL will not be putting him on the commissioner's exempt list to begin the regular season as they wait for the legal process in Rice's criminal case to play out.

Rice is facing eight felony charges for his alleged role in a high-speed, six-vehicle crash that occurred in Dallas in March.

In a statement, the NFL made it clear that Rice's case will still be monitored by the league.

"We continue to closely monitor all developments in the matter which remains under review," the statement reads. "We will let the legal process play out before making any decisions."

In a news conference Thursday, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy shed more light on where the league stands.

"We don't anticipate that he would be placed on commissioner exempt unless there's a material change in the case," said McCarthy.

A suspension for Rice would be a huge blow for the Chiefs' offense. The second-year receiver was expected to have a big year in 2024 following a rookie season with 938 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Chiefs take on the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL season opener on Thursday, Sept. 5.

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