The NFL has decided against placing Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice on the commissioners’ exempt list and allowing him to play for the Chiefs despite his offseason arrest on multiple charges related to a March car crash that injured several people.

According to Mark Maske of the Washington Post, the league has decided not to punish Rice until his legal situation is clarified.

This will allow Rice to start the season for the Chiefs, and given the length of the legal proceedings, it is likely he will be allowed to play against the Steelers when Pittsburgh and Kansas City face off on Christmas Day.

Rice was allegedly racing another vehicle at high speed when he crashed, triggering a chain reaction accident.

From CBS News, April 12.

“The (Dallas Police Department’s) investigation revealed that Knox was driving a Corvette and Rice was driving a Lamborghini. Both were speeding in the far left lane of the North Central Expressway near University Boulevard. The Lamborghini struck the median wall, officials said, causing four other vehicles to collide with each other.”

Two people were taken to hospital for their injuries, while two others were treated at the scene. Rice turned himself in to police and was charged with aggravated assault, one count of collision causing serious bodily harm, and six counts of collision causing personal injury.

According to the same CBS article, Rice took responsibility for his actions.

“Today I met with investigators from the Dallas Police Department regarding Saturday’s accident. I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the appropriate authorities. I sincerely apologize to everyone affected by Saturday’s accident.”

The NFL has the flexibility to impose penalties as and when it sees fit. There have been times when they have intervened before the courts have made a decision, and times when they have chosen to simply wait out the situation. Here, they are opting for the latter.

From a football perspective, this is a huge advantage for the Chiefs, who would have had weak wide receivers without him. A second-round rookie, Rice broke out late in the year and was Kansas City’s best wide receiver in receptions and yards. He also led the team with seven touchdowns, two more than TE Travis Kelce. Rice played a key role in the team’s ice-cold victory over the Miami Dolphins, catching 8 passes for 130 yards and 1 touchdown.

Besides Rice, the Chiefs’ top wide receiver targets are first-round pick Xavier Worthy and free agent signing Hollywood Brown, giving them plenty of speed for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City is seeking a third straight victory after winning the last two Super Bowls, something no team in history has accomplished.

The Steelers host the Chiefs on Christmas Day, a Wednesday game that will be exclusive to Netflix. Chances are Rice will be on the field to bolster Kansas City’s offense, which Pittsburgh has been unable to slow down during the Mahomes era.