Rice is currently facing eight felony charges for a car crash in downtown Dallas

Will Rashee Rice be available for the Kansas City Chiefs for Week 1? Details on his legal status

SAM

The Kansas City Chiefs‘ Rashee Rice could be available for their season opener against the Baltimore Ravens after the NFL reportedly hasn’t met with the organization to discuss a suspension whilst he’s under investigation for causing a crash in Texas.

Rice, entering his second season in professional American Football, has found his offseason marred by legal drama as he faces eight felony charges and a lawsuit for his role in a hit-and-run in downtown Dallas.

He was then also accused of assaulting a photographer on May 9, although there likely won’t be charges from the police. The NFL could still suspend him for this though as the wide receiver’s season hangs in the balance.

However, with the Chiefs‘ season kicking off on September 5 against the Ravens, there is a big question of whether he will be involved or whether it will be Hollywood Brown or Xavier Worthy leading the snaps from Patrick Mahomes.

Yet Mike Florio, of ProFootballTalk.com, reports the NFL has not yet met with the Chiefs or Rice. It means a disciplinary case will not be concluded in time so he should be available to clash with Lamar Jackson on Thursday Night Football.

“We have been monitoring developments in the matter,” a spokesperson for the NFL told ProFootballTalk.com. “Following the conclusion of the legal process, the NFL will review the matter under the Personal Conduct Policy.”

However, the Commissioner of the NFL could still opt for the Commissioner Exempt list, but Florio thinks this is not something that Roger Goodell will elect to do. The policy tends to be reserved for domestic violence cases.

What time is the Ravens vs Chiefs?

Rice made 79 receptions in 2023 for 938 yards and seven touchdowns as he helped lead the Chiefs to a second successive Super Bowl victory against the San Francisco 49ers at the Allegiant Stadium in Nevada.

If he is eligible and selected by Coach Andy Reid, he could step onto the field on Thursday, September 5 against the Ravens on opening night.

The Chiefs welcome the Ravens to the Arrowhead Stadium and the game will kick off at 20:20 ET/17:20 PT.