Jerry

Rice

Uh oh. Has Rice unwillingly accepted the reduced role that Tim Brown didn’t want? Rice watched Doug Gabriel and Alvis Whitted of all people from the bench. His lack of speed may make him a part-timer this season. He’s a candidate to be dropped in fantasy leagues.

Rice admitted that he’s taking away from playing time for Doug Gabriel, Alvis Whitted, and Ronald Curry, and that they deserve chances. He looks safe to drop if you’ve got options in fantasy leagues.

“When rumors get started like that, something is going on,” Rice said. “I don’t know how much longer I’ll be wearing the silver and black.

The Lions are among the many teams not interested.

Seattle and Detroit are long-shot possibilities for Rice. He could still be granted a release if he is not traded.

This sets up Rice to replace Koren Robinson when K-Rob is suspended by the league. While Rice has played flanker for most of his 20-year career, Darrell Jackson has the position in Seattle. Rice will have some fantasy value when he becomes a starter.

It would be surprising to see the 42-year old eager to join a team in rebuilding mode.

Rice is not a great fit in Seattle, where the Seahawks have three solid receivers. He may not be a great fit anywhere.

Any other player in the NFL would be getting killed in the media for this type of selfish grandstanding. A trade still looks like a longshot. A release is possible.

We’re skeptical about Rice as a fantasy option, but he’ll have plenty of opportunity to make an impact.