As the Kansas City Chiefs begin to regain their dominant form, head coach Andy Reid is making strategic changes around quarterback Patrick Mahomes. It started with adjustments in the wide receiver room to create space for their long-anticipated weapon, Rashee Rice.

The Chiefs just waived wide receiver Jason Brownlee, as KSHB 41 beat reporter Nick Jacobs reported. He was added to the 53-man roster after Rice was suspended. So, it wasn’t surprising that the Chiefs went to cut Brownlee.

The 26-year-old started 5 of the 6 games for the Chiefs. After his one-year stint with the New York Jets, he joined the Chiefs but hasn’t been able to make an impact. He had 21 total snaps on offense and another 21 on special teams without a catch.

While Brownlee’s size was supposed to boost the team, Mahomes targeted him only once during this time. The two connected in the preseason Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. Now, Mahomes will have more options in the field.

This will be a leap for the team and may fix their offensive issues.

Over the past few weeks, the Chiefs have finally found that offensive spark they were missing early in the season. They’ve put up some of their highest point totals and racked up more yards than in their first three outings. A big reason that many believe is that the Chiefs’ explosive weapons are getting back in the field.

Think wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Mahomes was excited to have the player back after losing him to a shoulder injury in Week 1. Coach Reid feels the same, saying that the team is finally getting back to full strength after their 30–17 win over the Detroit Lions.

“Getting one back was a big thing, Xavier [Worthy] brings a lot of energy,” Reid said. “And he can do a lot of things for you, and that he has an attitude there that he brings, and getting Rashee [Rice] back in the building, I also think was a big part.”

And the SMU product’s return from suspension couldn’t have come at a better time.

The Chiefs can’t wait to see Rashee Rice in action

Rashee Rice has officially rejoined the Chiefs after missing significant time due to both injury and suspension.

The 25-year-old wide receiver sat out the entire 2024 season with a knee injury that required a long recovery, then received a six-game suspension to start the 2025 campaign for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy following his involvement in a street racing incident in Dallas.

Head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Rice is expected to contribute immediately. His return marks his first appearance in over a year and provides a major boost to Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense as they push deeper into the 2025 season.

Mahomes is thrilled at the idea. “I’m very excited,” he said. “I’ll just leave it there.” Rice is set to play in Week 7 when the Chiefs face the Las Vegas Raiders.

As a rookie back in 2023, he racked up 73 receptions for 938 yards and seven touchdowns.

He showed the same energy last season, racking up 24 receptions for 288 yards and a touchdown in just his first four games before getting ruled out for his knee injury. So, the excitement around his arrival is understandable.

And so is the Chiefs’ urgency to have him back.

“With WR Rashee Rice returning today from his six-game suspension, the Chiefs have a one-week roster exemption,” Chiefs Digest beat reporter Matt Derrick reported. “He won’t count against the 53-player roster until the team activates him. That means they also don’t need to make a move until Saturday for him to play vs. [the Las Vegas] Raiders.”

But Coach Reid decided to place him on the active roster before the game. And the WR also appears ready. It remains to be seen if the Chiefs can continue the momentum as they head to Week 7.