The Kansas City Chiefs are finally starting to look like themselves again and the timing couldn’t be better. Head coach Andy Reid made it official on Monday: Rashee Rice is back.
The wide receiver’s six-game suspension has been lifted, restoring one of Patrick Mahomes‘ most dynamic weapons to the lineup ahead of Kansas City’s divisional clash against the Las Vegas Raiders.
To clear space for Rice‘s return, the Chiefs waived wide receiver Jason Brownlee, who appeared in five games this season primarily on special teams.
For Mahomes and Reid, it’s a calculated decision aimed at reigniting an offense that has shown flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency in recent weeks.
“Suspension lifted by commissioner,” read the official league transaction notice, ending Rice‘s long absence from the roster. It was a necessary step for a team that, despite its 3-3 record, still feels like a sleeping giant.
Speaking after the move, Reid praised Rice‘s attitude and discipline while acknowledging that the young receiver will need time to get back in sync with Mahomes.
“The rule states that we can’t work with him [during suspension], but I know he’s been working out hard,” Reid said.
“It’s just a matter of getting him back in the swing. I think it’ll be important for him to get with Patrick and get on the same page. I know he’s in good shape, that’s the one thing I do know.”
Rashee Rice returns as Chiefs look to rebuild momentum
Rice‘s reinstatement could not have come at a better time. The Chiefs’ passing game, while still potent, hasn’t reached the explosive heights fans have come to expect during the Mahomes era.
Kelce has been reliable, catching six passes for 78 yards in the 30-17 win over Detroit, but without Rice, Kansas City has relied heavily on a rotation of receivers still finding their footing.
The second-year wideout emerged as a breakout star last season, finishing with 938 receiving yards and seven touchdowns before a knee injury cut his year short.
He was later suspended following his involvement in a multi-car crash in Dallas in March 2024, a low point in what had been a promising career trajectory. Now, after serving his suspension and recovering from surgery, Rice returns eager to pick up where he left off.
“I’m just excited to get my guy Rashee back in the building,” Travis Kelce said after Sunday’s victory. “What he means as a player, as a person, and to this community, we miss having him out here. If we’re putting up 30-balls without him, it’s going to get rocking and rolling when he gets back.”
Reid’s move to waive Brownlee, who had no receptions this season, also reflects his trust in Rice‘s ability to immediately contribute. The Chiefs have already seen what their offense looks like at full strength when everything clicks.
Mahomes has thrown for over 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns in six games, and rookie Xavier Worthy has added much-needed speed alongside Hollywood Brown and Tyquan Thornton, who leads the NFL with a 20.9 yards-per-catch average.
Still, Reid knows that reintegrating Rice will take patience. “We’ve got to make sure we’re not just throwing him in without rhythm,” he said. “It’s about timing, trust, and getting that connection back with Patrick.”
For Kansas City, the return of Rice represents more than just another target, it’s a symbolic reset. After an uneven start to the season, the Chiefs are determined to climb back to the top of the AFC West.
With Mahomes, Kelce, and now Rice reunited, Reid’s message is clear: the real Kansas City Chiefs are ready to re-emerge.
