The Kansas City Chiefs have their answer on the status of Rashee Rice, with the receiver accepting a six-game suspension that will start Week 1. It won't be until the middle of October that the star pass catcher is able to return. This opens up an obvious void that the franchise will look to Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce to fill. However, even if the duo meets early expectations, there is going to be a void when it comes to secondary options. One that perfectly sets up a camp standout.
Rookie receiver Jalen Royals has wasted little time generating camp and preseason hype. It was obvious the young pass catcher was quickly earning the trust of Patrick Mahomes, and more importantly, of Andy Reid. Now, that trust is going to be quickly put to the test with Royals put in an elevated role.
Not only will Rice miss the first six games this season, but the health of Hollywood Brown remains a concern. The Chiefs lack much proven depth now that Rice has been lost. Setting up the perfect opportunity for Royals to have an instant impact and establish themselves as the next surprise contributor.
Chiefs Rookie WR Jalen Royals Handed Opportunity After Rashee Rice Suspension
It makes far more sense now as well that Tuesday's deadline saw Kansas City keep eight options at receiver. Typically, six receivers are the expected benchmark, and the Chiefs overshooting this by two suggests concern with Brown and inside information that Rice would soon be suspended. The rest of the roster makes far more sense now and sets up for further moves heading into Week 1.
Royals has a very real chance to be the third option at the position when the season kicks off next Friday against the Los Angeles Chargers. Worthy is the favorite to be the primary target, with Kelce perhaps having a slightly larger workload to start the season. While saving Kelce for the season's biggest moments is the goal, it requires making enough plays to get there.
If Royals can help offset this workload, the rookie will instantly become a popular piece, living up to early promise. While there isn't pressure on the rookie, there is an incredible opportunity that will tell fans a lot about what they can expect from the pass catcher moving forward. Rice's absence is a brutal blow, but also serves as a chance to find out exactly what the rookie has in the tank.