The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for their next big game on Sunday, October 19, when they face off against the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s been a mixed season for the Chiefs so far, featuring some exciting wins alongside a few tough losses. Their latest matchup was a 30-17 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, October 12, which improved their record to 3-2 for the season.
Now, the Chiefs are ready to take the field at Arrowhead Stadium once again — and this time, they’ll have more momentum than they did last weekend. That’s because one of their key players, Rashee Rice, is set to return after a lengthy suspension that kept him out for the beginning of the 2025-26 season.
### Rashee Rice Makes His Return
Rice, the talented wide receiver, missed the first six games of the 2025 NFL season due to a high-profile suspension for violating the personal conduct policy. This Sunday’s game against the Raiders will mark his first appearance back on the field since Week 4 of the 2024 season, when he suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Unsurprisingly, Rice is overjoyed about finally returning and is eager to make an impact. Speaking on Friday, October 17, he opened up about his excitement:
“I’ve been looking forward to this probably for… it’s been like 380 something days I haven’t played a regular season game,” Rice shared. “I haven’t played a regular season game and despite the regular season, we still have a whole offseason before that where we were training super hard to get ready for that prior season. So, I mean, it’s been a long time coming and that time’s finally here.”
### Chiefs’ Current Standing in the NFL
The Chiefs are back at the top of their game, but opinions vary across the league. Despite their recent win over the Lions, the Chiefs are ranked No. 9 in ESPN’s Week 7 Power Rankings.
However, ESPN’s Nate Taylor offers some reassurance regarding the team’s offensive line, saying, “the offensive line is no longer an issue.” According to Taylor, much of the Chiefs’ offseason efforts focused on strengthening this area, particularly at left tackle. General manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid worked to improve the line by signing left tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency and drafting rookie Josh Simmons. Additionally, Kingsley Suamataia was moved to left guard to replace Joe Thuney, who was traded to the Bears.
Taylor adds, “Each player in the trio has performed well, making the offensive line a strength once again for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.”
### Patrick Mahomes Shines
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports ranks Patrick Mahomes as the No. 5 best quarterback in the league for Week 7. Benjamin commented on Mahomes’ performance in the team’s recent rout of the Lions:
“The Chiefs finally looked like themselves in Sunday’s rout of the Lions, and Mahomes was arguably the biggest reason why, setting the tone with tough scrambles, then spreading the ball all over the field to maximize K.C.’s gadget weapons.”
### Looking Ahead
With Rashee Rice returning to the lineup, the Chiefs will have a significant boost for their upcoming game against the Raiders and for the remainder of the season. Rice’s excitement to be back is contagious, and the entire Kansas City Chiefs organization is thrilled to welcome him back onto the field.
As the season unfolds, Chiefs fans will be eager to see how Rice’s return helps the team reclaim their dominant status in the NFL. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting chapter in Kansas City football.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/makes-heartwarming-admission-before-return/
