The absence of wide receiver Rashee Rice has loomed large over the Kansas City Chiefs to start the season.
Rice is once again out for the Week 3 game against the New York Giants due to a suspension he received stemming from his conviction for causing a multi-vehicle chain-reaction collision in March of last year.
With Rice out, the Chiefs have started off 0-2 and have had clear issues on offense. Making matters worse, Xavier Worthy suffered a shoulder injury in Week 1 and has missed two games, while rookie Jalen Royals has also missed multiple games due to injury.
Rashee Rice suspension explained
Rice was sentenced to 30 days in jail in July after pleading guilty to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury.
As a result, Rice, who was also ordered to pay about $115,000 to the victims for their medical expenses, received a six-game suspension by the league under the personal conduct policy.
When is Rashee Rice coming back?
Rice's six-game suspension will be lifted following the Week 6 game against the Detroit Lions, which means he can play in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Rice is allowed to be in Kansas City's facility after this week, and while he can't practice until the suspension is lifted, Rice is able to participate in meetings with the team.
"Chiefs WR Rashee Rice, suspended the first 6 games for violating the personal conduct policy, is allowed back in KC’s facility after this week, per terms of his suspension," Rapoport wrote. "While he can’t practice, Rice can participate in meetings and ramp up for a (Week 7) return vs the Raiders."
In the meantime, Marquis Brown will continue to play a key role in Kansas City's offense, as will Travis Kelce, obviously. Worthy will also be a significant piece of Kansas City's passing attack whenever he returns.
MORE NFL NEWS
- Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens combine for $55K worth of fines
- Pittsburgh Steelers roster move spells big trouble for Kaleb Johnson
- Marcus Davenport injury update from Dan Campbell is good news for Lions
- ESPN insider: Two Miami Dolphins starters could get traded at deadline
- New York Giants could trade these two starters, per ESPN insider
- ESPN insider: Raiders could unload $33 million playmaker at trade deadline