The LA Chargers have a chance to send a statement to one of the largest audiences in NFL regular-season history in another country in Week 1. Free on YouTube, Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers are looking to finally slay the beast that is the Kansas City Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil.
With several Chiefs question marks around health and availability entering the season, Chargers fans are feeling good about the Bolts' chances in this AFC West matchup. However, the matchup may be tougher than fans were ready for.
Rashee Rice's availability for Week 1 has been up in the air with many assuming the star wideout would be out due to disciplinary action for his role in a multi-car crash in Dallas last year. ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed on Thursday that Rice's discplinary hearing with the NFL is scheduled for September 30, meaning he will likely be able to suit up against the Chargers in Week 1.
ESPN sources: Chiefs WR Rashee Rice is expected to have his disciplinary hearing with the NFL on Tuesday, Sept 30 in New York. This means that Rice now is likely to be able to play the first four weeks of this season before any potential discipline is imposed for his role in a… pic.twitter.com/nC37poNfEb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 14, 2025
Looks like the Chargers will see Rashee Rice in Week 1 after all
Back in July, Rice was sentenced to 30 days in jail to be served over a five-year probationary period. The Chiefs wideout was driving at high speeds on a Dallas highway, leading to a multi-car accident that caused injuries.
Rice faced eight total charges in connection with the multi-car crash. After the judge's ruling in July, Adam Schefter confirmed that a multi-game suspension would eventually come.
The NFL just handed Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison a three-game suspension following a DUI arrest last summer. While the situations are different, many assumed Rice's suspension would be similar to Addison's.
The main difference is that Addison will serve it at the beginning of the year. It appears Rice will serve it during the middle of the season. With the Chargers playing the Chiefs in Week 1 and in December, chances are they will see Rice twice this season.
Rice being active in Week 1 has a massive impact on the game itself. It goes without saying that Rice is Patrick Mahomes' best passing weapon who adds another layer to the passing attack. It's much easier to slow down Mahomes when Xavier Worthy is the best receiver the team has to worry about. It's a completely different situation with Rice on the field.
Football is a team sport but one star player of this caliber really can be the difference that decides the final outcome. That's not to say the Chargers can't beat the Chiefs with Rice on the field, but that challenge becomes much more difficult than it was two days ago.