...
By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Kansas City Chiefs waived wide receiver Jason Brownlee on Monday, opening up a roster spot for the return of Rashee Rice.
Rice was suspended before the start of the season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. In July, he pleaded guilty to two felonies for his culpability in a multicar Dallas crash back in 2024.
The crash left several people injured, resulting in a 30-day jail sentence and probation, though the case will be dismissed if he complies with the probation.
Read More on NFL
The NFL conducted its own investigation and handed out a six-game suspension, which has now been completed. He is available for the Chiefs in the future.
...
Once he returns to full speed, he should be the Chiefs' top receiving option, unlocking the deep passing game for Patrick Mahomes and easing up the focus on veteran tight end Travis Kelce.
This season, Brownlee took on a notable role because Jalen Royals, Xavier Worthy, and Rice were all out, though once they returned, the receiver room got full in a hurry.
Brownlee became a special-teams player once the receivers came back, competing with Tyquan Thornton for a spot on the team, according to Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub.
“I think when Rashee (Rice) comes back, I’m going to lose another guy,” Toub said. “And then all of a sudden, you know, everybody gets pushed (down the depth chart). So, I’m looking forward to, you know, Tyquan (Thornton). He brings a dynamic explosiveness to the return game.”
The Chiefs did not need to make this move until their Week 7 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, as they received a roster exemption, but they decided to be proactive.
He could end up on the practice squad, especially after he impressed in the preseason, though it depends on whether another team would take a chance on him on the 53-man roster.
Mahomes is excited for Rice to return, especially as the offense has experienced an uptick in effectiveness. Hopefully, it will see Rice, Worthy, and Hollywood Brown play on the team at the same time.
“I think that will be a positive thing,” Reid told reporters on Monday. “They haven’t been on the field together other than training camp.
"I think they’re looking forward to it maybe even more than I’m looking forward to it. They’re excited to play together, those three are very close. We’ll see how it all works out."
For more on the Chiefs and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines