Who Should I Start? Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Rashee Rice

Tuesday, June 16, 7:48 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) was released from Dallas County Jail on Tuesday morning after serving 30 days for a probation violation, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. After being released, Rice ran away from cameras and refused to speak to the media before being taken away in an SUV. In addition to more off-the-field issues this offseason for the 26-year-old, Rice had a clean-up surgery on his right knee in May, but head coach Andy Reid said he expects Rice to be ready for the start of training camp in late July. Barring a setback with his knee this summer, Rice should be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season in early September, although another potential suspension to begin the year hanging over his head will have fantasy managers hesitant to take him early in drafts. When active, Rice has clearly established himself as the WR1 in KC as quarterback Patrick Mahomes' (knee) favorite weapon, but injuries and off-the-field issues have limited him to just 12 regular-season starts in the last two years. The former second-rounder in 2023 out of SMU is a risk/reward, low-end WR2/high-end WR3 target in upcoming 2026 fantasy drafts.