The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2025 season with plenty of questions. But while whether or not they can return to their championship status is one of the biggest storylines, it might pale in comparison to a possible suspension for Rashee Rice.
Rice’s status has been up in the air since he pleaded guilty to felony charges related to a high-speed, hit-and-run crash in Dallas in March of 2024. While he put in his plea last month, the NFL hasn’t come to an agreement on the length of a potential suspension, reportedly seeking an unprecedented 10-game ban earlier this year.
While Rice appears he could begin the season, the Chiefs are bracing for impact when the suspension drops, and it triggered a response from a high-profile member of Andy Reid’s staff.
Chiefs OC Matt Nagy on preparing for a potential Rashee Rice suspension: "One of the things we try to do as a staff is prepare both ways for it, just not knowing (when he'll be suspended."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) August 19, 2025
Says this isn't new, but the staff does a great job of preparing for all outcomes.
Chiefs OC Matt Nagy ‘Preparing for All Outcomes” for Rashee Rice Suspension
Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy addressed the media including Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports on Tuesday and was asked how the team is dealing with Rice’s uncertain status. While there’s no resolution in the situation, Nagy admitted his staff was preparing “for all outcomes” until the suspension is handed down.
“One of the things we try to do as a staff is prepare both ways for it, just not knowing [when he’ll be suspended.]” Nagy said.
Nagy’s comments are about all the Chiefs can do in this situation. Rice pleaded guilty last month but the NFL didn’t schedule his disciplinary hearing until Sept. 30. The decision allows Rice to play in the first four regular season games – including the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil, and two premiere matchups with the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens – and could also allow him to play in the Week 5 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars if the decision isn’t reached quickly.
There’s also a scenario where Rice may never be suspended at all if the league is hell-bent on making sure he gets a 10-game suspension or another aggressive amount.
This is a big headache for the Chiefs as they prepare for this season. In a perfect world, the NFL would have just decided on a suspension and allowed the Chiefs to plan ahead. That’s what happened in the case of Minnesota Vikings receiver Jordan Addison, who was suspended three games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. But with the NFL looking to drop the hammer, the league has pushed the hearing back to plead their case.
With outcomes ranging from a big suspension in the middle of the year to not being suspended at all, Rice’s status for the season remains a mystery. But it’s something the Chiefs have to plan for as they look to reclaim the Lombardi Trophy this season.