Chiefs: Rashee Rice dishes on increased role in offense after breakout game vs. Raiders

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is excited to take on a large role in the offense after a key touchdown catch against Las Vegas.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is going to be seeing some more touches in the team’s offense. The team’s young wideout is taking on an increased role after catching a critical touchdown pass in the Chiefs’ 31-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders last Sunday. Rice is excited about his new responsibilities.

“I think they’ve shown a lot more confidence in me, but I kind of feel like … that’s starting in practice,” Rice said in an interview with ESPN. “It doesn’t start with me making big plays in games. It starts with me running that same shallow at full speed in practice and providing him a game-rep look so he can trust me on game day.

“They didn’t pick me up just to have me on the squad. They asked me to pitch in.”

Rice is a rookie from SMU who has 44 receptions for Kansas City this season. He has 527 yards receiving and five touchdowns. Rice’s performance against the Raiders was a career highlight, as he set career highs in both receptions and yards. He has eight receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders. Rice’s 39-yard touchdown reception from Patrick Mahomes in the fourth quarter was pivotal.

“He has the talent,” Mahomes remarked of Rice, according to ESPN. “He works hard and we’re giving him more and more as the season goes on.”

Kansas City is now 8-3 on the season and Rice certainly gives the team a new wrinkle in the passing game. His next opportunity to show what he can do is on Sunday, when the Chiefs play at the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay is a team finding its way after a tough start. The Packers are 5-6 on the season but have won three of their last four games.

The Chiefs and Packers kick off at 8:20 Eastern on Sunday.