In seven days, the Chiefs host the Ravens to open the 2024 regular season, with Kansas City receiver Rashee Rice expected to play.
Rice faces eight charges stemming from a street racing incident in Dallas in March.
During a press conference to preview the upcoming season, the NFL reiterated that it is monitoring Rice’s case. “Following the conclusion of the legal process, the NFL will review the matter under its Personal Conduct Policy,” the league told PFT via email on Aug. 13.
The league has not immediately commented on whether Rice will be placed on paid leave. It is an option available for misdemeanor cases. However, the league typically only uses it in domestic violence cases.
When asked specifically whether Rice would be placed on paid leave between now and Week 1, the NFL initially did not provide a clear answer. The league later said it does not anticipate placing Rice on the Commissioner Exempt list “absent a material change in the case.”
Given that little appears to be happening in the case, a material change in the coming week is unlikely. That means Rice will be available to play week after week unless and until a material change occurs — or until the matter is resolved and the league conducts a review under the Personal Conduct Policy.
