The Kansas City Chiefs' offense has rounded into form in recent weeks. Most of that can be attributed to the return of second-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Worthy, who missed two games with a torn labrum, rejoined the team during Week 4's contest against the Baltimore Ravens and provided a spark to the offense.
That said, the Chiefs' offense will be receiving an even bigger boost this week with the return of Rashee Rice. Rice will be back in uniform after serving a six-game suspension for two third-degree felony charges stemming from a car crash in March.
While some thought Kansas City would slowly work Rice back into the fold, that doesn't seem to be the case. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, "The Chiefs won't be easing Rashee Rice back into action. They will be allocating a heavy workload for him as soon as possible."
This is exactly what most in Chiefs Kingdom want to hear.
Chiefs' Rashee Rice Expected to Have Normal Workload in Week 7
Before tearing his LCL last season, Rice was developing into one of the league's top young receivers. Over the four games he played, the 25-year-old totaled 24 receptions on 29 targets for 268 yards and two touchdowns. Those stats put him in the top five of receivers before his injury.
Losing Rice put up a huge roadblock to the Chiefs' passing success in 2025. Despite his injury being less than optimal, it allowed Worthy to develop into a No.1 receiver, even if that wasn't the original plan. Now with Rice back, Kansas City has two top options.
Moreover, Rice's return gives the Chiefs more ways to hurt opposing defenses. Outside of Rice and Worthy, Kansas City has JuJu Smith-Schuster, Hollywood Brown, Tyquan Thornton, and rookie Jalen Royals. Rice, Worthy, and Brown will be the starting trio. However, Thornton, who has proven to be a downfield threat early in the season, should still get his chances.
That leaves the rookie wideout, Royals, who hasn't seen the field much this season. This is because Andy Reid prefers to get his rookies caught up to speed before giving them a lot of playing time. As a result, Chiefs Kingdom shouldn't be surprised if Royals sees some playing time soon, even with Rice back.
Kansas City opting not to ease Rice back into the offense could be risky, given how long the wideout has been sidelined. Even so, there will be no complaints if the 25-year-old can reenter the lineup and make an immediate impact.