Rice was released by the Wizards on Wednesday, J. Michael of CSN reports. Washington will cut ties with the 2013 second-round pick, who appeared in just five games this season. Coming off of a rookie season in which he showed flashes of potential in the D-League, Rice was expected to step into a greater role this season. However, he fell out of favor with coach Randy Wittman and was unable to work his way back into the rotation, due in part to respective emergences of Otto Porter and Rasual Butler. Rice figures to draw considerable interest as a free agent on the open market.

Rice has been assigned to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the D-League. Rice has only seen limited minutes on the court for the Wizards this season but will be given all the minutes he can handle down in the D-League. The 23-year-old will likely rejoin the Wizards at some point in the season, although it would be hard to imagine him seeing significant time on the court at this point in his career.

Rice has not played any minutes since Nov. 7 against the Raptors. Rice got off to a terrible start in his first five games, averaging 2.2 points, 0.8 rebounds and 0.4 assists over 8.6 minutes, with just three of his 15 field-goal attempts finding the mark. He hasn't played in a game since that fifth appearance, as Rasual Butler has replaced Rice in the rotation. Rice could perhaps get another chance to enter the mix, but with Brad Beal (wrist) moving closer to a return, Rice has seemingly already missed out on his best opportunity of the season.

Rice had zero points (0-5 FG, 0-3 3Pt), one rebound and one assist over 15 minutes in Tuesday's 98-83 win over the Knicks. Rice's preseason was limited by a sprained ankle, and with Garrett Temple handling most of the minutes at shooting guard, there isn't a whole lot left. Otto Porter is quite clearly the Wizards' top wing off the bench, and he has handled the job well. That leaves Rice with a lesser bench role, one that may disappear once Brad Beal (wrist) and/or Martell Webster (back) return(s).

Rice saw his first minutes of the season Thursday against the Magic after spraining his ankle in the preseason, scoring five points (1-2 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-3 FT). Head coach Randy Wittman elected to not use Rice in the season opener Wednesday, but used him for 14 minutes against the Magic. It was a back-to-back for the Wizards this week, so it's no surprise that Rice was used to give Otto Porter, Garrett Temple and Paul Pierce a break. Temple seems to be the favorite to start at shooting guard with Bradley Beal out, though, playing over 30 minutes in each of the first two games for the Wizards.

Rice (ankle) ended up getting a DNP on Wednesday. Wizards coach Randy Wittman elected not to use Rice in the opener, but Garrett Temple failed to make a big impact as the starting shooting guard, so Rice could be in the lineup Thursday against the Magic.

Rice (ankle) is expected to be ready for Wednesday's opener against Miami. Coach Randy Wittman said Tuesday that, barring a setback, both Rice and Kris Humphries (finger) will be available Wednesday. Rice should carve out a significant role early in the season with Bradley Beal (wrist) expected to miss at least a few more weeks.

Rice (ankle) was a full participant in Monday's practice, and hopes to be ready for Wednesday's season opener. Consider him questionable for Wednesday's game, although as soon as he is ready, he could see a solid role at shooting guard with Bradley Beal (wrist) out 3-5 weeks.

Rice (ankle) missed the Wizards' final three preseason games. Rice seems to be in danger of missing Wednesday's regular-season opener against Miami, and the Wizards play again both Thursday and Saturday. Bradley Beal's broken wrist created an opportunity for Rice to earn a spot in the early-season starting lineup, which may now be filled by Garrett Temple. Otto Porter also figures to benefit from added playing time, though he will have a key role in the rotation even if Rice is healthy. Things could start to get rather crowded once Beal and Martell Webster (back) eventually return from injuries, which likely won't happen until December or January.

Rice (ankle) will not play Monday against the Pelicans. Rice sprained his ankle last week and is still hampered by the injury. He's likely being held out as a precaution, and whether or not he plays Wednesday against New York will be a better indication of how healthy he is with the regular season set to begin next week.