Rashee Rice made his season debut on Thursday and is positioned to remain available for the Chiefs for the entire season. The second-year Chiefs wideout faces eight felony charges stemming from a street racing incident in March, but the NFL has no plans to place him on the commissioner’s exempt list.

That step is generally reserved for cases involving allegations of domestic violence. In Rice’s case, the league followed its standard procedure of waiting until the legal process is complete before conducting an investigation and imposing disciplinary action under its personal conduct policy. Criminal charges are pending against Rice and former SMU teammate Teddy Knox, the other driver involved in the crash that caused multiple injuries before they left the scene. However, as The Athletic’s Nate Taylor and Dianna Russini note, no date has been set for a criminal trial (subscription required).

Pro Football Talks’ Mike Florio adds that the earliest a trial could go is likely December, meaning Rice will play out the season before any further developments occur (video link). Two of the victims have also filed a civil lawsuit, seeking $10 million in damages. A trial date has been set for that trial; it will take place in June 2025. Rice can be expected to play a key role in Kansas City’s passing attack between now and then, just as he did during his rookie campaign.

The 24-year-old’s pre-draft process was marred by concerns about his character, and an incident during his SMU days was on the radar of NFL teams. The Athletic article notes that at least three teams have left Rice off their draft boards as a result, but it hasn’t hurt his stock. The Chiefs, who have acquired and retained a number of players who have struggled with off-field issues over the years, selected Rice 55th overall.

Kansas City’s offseason included multiple moves at receiver after production at that position (with the exception of Rice) proved difficult to come by. Free agent pickup Marquise Brown wasn’t there for week 1, but first round rookie Xavier Worthy had an impressive debut with a pair of touchdowns. Those two speed demons are joined by the likes of Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman, Justin Watson And JuJu Smith-Schuster at receiver. It remains to be seen how that group will fare compared to last season, but Rice will be a key member of the unit for the foreseeable future.