The Chiefs’ offseason is building up like the ‘House of The Dragon’ plot.
On one hand, Travis Kelce will be back for Year 13, and Rashee Rice is grinding through his rehab like a man on a mission. On the other? That offensive line still needs serious work, and Patrick Mahomes is probably wondering if he’ll have enough time in the pocket to cook before the defenders crash in. That’s an ongoing discussion as the offseason shapes up.
But let’s focus on Rice for a second—because his story isn’t just about an injury comeback. There’s another storm brewing, one that could keep him off the field for reasons that have nothing to do with his knee. Double R was supposed to be one of the Chiefs’ biggest weapons in 2024. And all the signs were pointing toward an electric season.
I mean, look at this: before the knee injury in week 4 against the Chargers put him out for the season, he had already stacked two 100-yard games. The trajectory? Over 1,600 yards and 11 touchdowns. That’s WR1 material. So when Andy Reid gave a thumbs-up on Rice’s rehab, Chiefs Kingdom exhaled. Sigh!
But not so fast… Just when you thought this was a classic “player battles back from injury” story, there’s a twist. Because Rice isn’t just working against the clock—he’s also waiting on a ruling that could decide how much of 2025 he actually gets to play.
Jeff Mueller, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, dropped a telling update: “Here is what we call a course-correct. I’ve previously said to Sell. Rashee Rice is putting in WORK to be ready for the 2025 season coming off of LCL, PLC, and hamstring surgeries. Still has 6 months until Wk1 (suspension still pending though). Message received. Buy.” Translation? Physically, Rice is making great progress. Legally? That’s a different ball game.
Here is what we call a course-correct.
I’ve previously said to Sell.
Rashee Rice is putting in WORK to be ready for the 2025 season coming off of LCL, PLC, and hamstring surgeries.
Still has 6 months until Wk1 (suspension still pending though).
Message received.
Buy. pic.twitter.com/cf0F1mzeJG
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) March 7, 2025
Remember the March 30th incident? Rice and former SMU teammate Theodore Knox were caught speeding down Central Expressway in Dallas, which ended in a multi-car wreck that injured four people. Dashcam footage showed Rice and Knox leaving the scene before authorities got there.
And while Rice eventually took responsibility—posting on social media, “I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the necessary authorities”—that doesn’t make the legal system move any faster.
Fast forward a year, and his case is still tied up in court. Rice’s lawyer, Texas Senator Royce West, managed to push the civil trial back due to legislative obligations, which means this thing won’t even move forward until at least June 2.
So, where does this leave the Chiefs? They’ve got a young receiver on the verge of a breakout, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be available for week 1. However, if you think it bugs him then think some more. Because he just wants to put 2024 in the rearview and go riding into 2025.
Rashee Rice has a big talk for the kingdom
Rashee Rice isn’t just coming back—he’s coming back with something to prove. After a breakout rookie season that helped the Chiefs snag another Super Bowl, expectations were sky-high for Year 2. But fate had other plans. A season-ending injury cut his 2024 campaign short after just three full games, where he racked up 288 yards. Now? He’s got unfinished business.
Rice recently sat down on the I Am Athlete podcast, and let’s just say, confidence isn’t an issue. “There’s a lot of people ready for me to come back next season,” he said. He’s not just aiming to pick up where he left off—he wants to take it up a notch. “I basically ain’t even scraped the surface of what I was going to do,” Rice added. And after glimpses of dominance early last season, it’s hard to argue.
The Chiefs need him now more than ever. Their wide receiver room is looking thinner than a fourth-quarter playbook with the lead. Hollywood Brown, DeAndre Hopkins, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Mecole Hardman, and Justin Watson? All on expiring deals. That leaves just Xavier Worthy and Nikko Remigio as the only returning receivers with a catch last season. Not exactly an ideal situation for Patrick Mahomes.
But here’s the thing—if Rice is truly back at full strength, Kansas City might have a dangerous 1-2 punch. Pairing him with Worthy gives the Chiefs speed, size, and a whole lot of potential. And with Mahomes slinging it, that duo could turn into a nightmare for defenses. That is, if Rice stays on the field and away from off-field distractions.
The clock’s ticking. The Kingdom is waiting. Rice says he’s ready. But come September, it won’t be about words—it’ll be about proving it on the field.
The post Rashee Rice Injury: Doctor Shares NFL ‘Suspension’ Concerns as Chiefs WR Puts in Work 6 Months Before Kickoff appeared first on EssentiallySports.
