As the Kansas City Chiefs approach the end of mandatory minicamp, fans have received some good news about two impactful pieces on the offense.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, head coach Andy Reid says he expects rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons and breakout wide receiver Rashee Rice to both be full participants at the start of training camp.
Simmons could be poised to make an instant impact in the starting lineup protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes' blindside. Kansas City traded left tackle Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears this offseason, opening up a spot for their first-round draft pick out of Ohio State.
Simmons may have slipped to the bottom of the first round because he is recovering from a torn patellar tendon suffered during the Buckeyes' march to the national championship last fall.
"Simmons appears to be checking every box in his rehab, including participating in team drills this month. And his work ethic consistently draws praise from Andy Reid," NFL.com wrote.
Rice returns to Kansas City for his third season after being the team's second-round pick in 2023. He had an excellent rookie season with 938 yards receiving and seven touchdowns, but did not enjoy the same luck last season.
The SMU product only appeared in four games before suffering a season-ending knee injury.
Rice has already shown great strides in his recovery, being a full participant in OTAs and minicamp this offseason.
Off the field, Rice remains involved in an investigation related to a hit-and-run incident from 2024. League-issued consequences could still be possible for the young receiver. However, the Chiefs expect him to be an integral part of their passing attack alongside Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy when he is active.
Rice was on pace to pick up where left off before his injury, having brought in two touchdown catches and 288 yards through the first quarter of last season.
On their quest for what would be their fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance, Reid and the Chiefs are hoping the health of both Simmons and Rice at training camp allows for the offense to be as potent as it always is heading into 2025.