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Rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice made a name for himself in year one with the Kansas City Chiefs this past NFL season.
But a hit-and-run car crash in the offseason has his future with the organization, and in the NFL, up in the air.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid met with members of the media on Monday and discussed how the team is handling Rice’s off-field issues.
Andy Reid says the #Chiefs are letting the "law enforcement part take place" and then they "will go from there" when it comes to WR Rashee Rice.
Reid has talked to Rice, won't take questions on him as the team begins OTAs.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) April 15, 2024
Andy Reid Says Kansas City Chiefs Are Staying Out Of Rashee Rice Investigation
“I’m leaving that like we’ve done most of these for the law enforcement part to take place and then we will go from there with that,” Reid said, via PJ Green of Fox 4 in Kansas City.
What does that mean for voluntary offseason workouts and team meetings?
Reid said that Rice will not be with the team for the time being.
#Chiefs coach Andy Reid tells reporters he’s spoken to Rashee Rice, who will be virtual for the first phase of offseason conditioning: "I'm leaving that, like we've done most of these, for the law enforcement part to take place and then we will go from there with that.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 15, 2024
Instead, the now second-year wideout will participate virtually in meetings and handle offseason workouts individually.
Rice issued a statement earlier this month addressing the incident but did not go into detail.
“Today I met with Dallas PD investigators regarding Saturday’s accident,” Rice wrote on his Instagram. “I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the necessary authorities. I sincerely apologize to everyone impacted in Saturday’s incident.”
However, that statement has since been deleted.
Kansas City expected the young star to grow into a bigger role in the offense in year two.
Rice finished second on the Chiefs in both receptions and yards as a rookie. He led all wide receivers on the team, trailing only superstar tight end Travis Kelce. He also led the team in touchdown receptions.
So it’s safe to say that if he’s to miss any sort of significant time in 2024, it would be a massive blow to the Kansas City offense.