<\/p>\n
Y<\/span>et again, Rashee Rice<\/a><\/strong> is in the news for the wrong reasons. The constantly troubled Kansas City Chiefs<\/a><\/strong> wide receiver was slapped with a damning lawsuit this week by his ex-girlfriend, who made concerning claims regarding a “horrific pattern of abuse” on part of the NFL player<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Given that Rice had already been suspended by the NFL for another incident<\/strong>, this one has the potential to put his future in the league in jeopardy. The NFL still has to do its own investigation, so Patrick Mahomes<\/strong> might not know for a while if his No. 1 wide receiver will be on the field with him when then 2026 season begins.<\/p>\n The thought of Rice missing games in 2026 has put the Chiefs’ wide receiver room under the microscope. Xavier Worthy<\/strong> hasn’t developed into a great player yet, and the rest of the wideouts are role-playing veterans<\/strong>. But a name that had somewhat been forgotten has popped up again: Jalen Royals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n By most accounts, Royals was making impressive plays during his first training camp with Kansas City<\/strong>. Coming in as a 4th round rookie in 2025, with Rice serving a six-game suspension, Royals was expected to contribute immediately<\/strong>. Unfortunately, knee tendinitis sidelined Royals for the first few games of his rookie season<\/strong>, and he was barely heard from after that.<\/p>\n Even when he got healthy, Andy Reid and the coaching staff put him on the field for just 35 snaps before the team was eliminated from postseason contention<\/strong>. Given that the Chiefs needed more playmaking on offense, it was odd that Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy<\/strong> didn’t use Royals at all.<\/p>\n Whether Rice is available for the Chiefs in 2026 or not, Royals should get a much better chance at contributing in his second season<\/strong>. Reid knows his offense needs to change, and new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy should give Royals a clean slate to start their relationship<\/strong>. It’s way too early to give up on the 4th round wideout, and Kansas City may need him now more than ever given Rice’s situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nJalen Royals could get chance to shine if Rashee Rice misses games in 2026<\/h2>\n