Reporter floats juicy theory on Chiefs’ handling of Rashee Rice injury

Nov 26, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have not provided any real information about the extent of the injury Rashee Rice suffered last week, and one NFL reporter wonders if that lack of clarity is part of an elaborate plan.

Rice suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury during the Chiefs’ 17-10 win over the Los Angeles Charges on Sunday when his leg was taken out by Patrick Mahomes following an interception. Andy Reid initially said the injury “doesn’t look good.” There was then a report after the game that Rice tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season.

The torn ACL diagnosis has yet to be confirmed, however. Reid told the media on Thursday that doctors are waiting for the swelling to reduce in Rice’s knee before conducting more tests. Rice has been placed on injured reserve, which means he will miss a minimum of four games.

In a story he published on Friday, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk floated the possibility that the Chiefs are remaining vague about Rice’s status because of the legal trouble the receiver got himself into during the offseason. Rice is facing eight felony charges over his alleged role in a multi-car accident that took place in March. He is expected to be suspended at some point, but the NFL typically does not make disciplinary rulings until a case is resolved.

The Chiefs may have initially wanted Rice’s hit-and-run case to drag into 2025, that way Rice’s status for this season would not be impacted. If Rice is not going to be able to play again in 2024 because of his injury, the Chiefs might try to reach some sort of settlement with Dallas prosecutors as soon as possible.

Florio’s theory is that Kansas City might want to both expedite Rice’s legal situation and create the impression that the wideout has a chance to play again this season. That way, if Rice is suspended this year, it will look like he is missing games in which he could have played, rather than being forced to sit out when he was injured anyway.

It seems unlikely that the Chiefs would go to those lengths to deceive the NFL, but it is certainly an interesting thought.