While there's no way of knowing exactly how hard the National Football League is going to come down on Rashee Rice, the Kansas City Chiefs might at least get some idea of what to expect based on, well, at least another team's expected suspension.
If that sounds a bit convoluted, it is. It's predicting based on a projection, but the looming suspensions for wide receivers Jordan Addison and Rice is not so different. That's why Chiefs Kingdom might want to pay attention to the latest report out of Minnesota Vikings training camp.
Projections for Jordan Addison's suspension could help the Chiefs prepare for what's to come for Rashee Rice.
ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler notes that the Vikings are preparing for a likely three-game suspension for Addison in 2025. That's not official, and there's no stated expectation of when that punishment would be levied, but Minnesota is preparing to go without Addison for 20 percent of the regular season.
Addison was charged with driving under the influence in July 2024 after a Los Angeles police officer found him asleep at the wheel of a Rolls Royce blocking a lane on I-105. In exchange for agreeing to a plea deal, Addison has his official charge lessened to reckless driving with the involvement of alcohol.
Rice's case also involved a reckless driving charge at a high-rate of speed (119 mph) in a Lamborghini. With eight felony counts involved and injured victims, Rice's case has different elements in play. While damages there were greater, however, Rice was not under the influence of any substance, which is one minor factor working in his favor.
Predictions for a timeline of Rice's suspension have been placed anywhere between two to eight games. That's due in part to the NFL's confusing and inconsistent application of punishment in cases like this, which makes it difficult for a player or franchise to prepare for what's to come.
Rice, a third-year wide receiver for the Chiefs, is returning from a season-ending injury that occurred in Week 4 last season. He finished the year with 24 catches for 288 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns through the first three games.