Yellow cards will be wiped after the group stage ahead of the knockout stage, then once more after the quarterfinals, preventing a final suspension due to just two yellow cards earned beforehand.
However, players will trigger an automatic one-game ban if they pick up two yellow cards before that cut off point.
This has led many fans to worry about Rice who was booked for a challenge on Ghana centre-back Jerome Opoku in Tuesday’s goalless draw in Boston.
Another card for Rice against Panama would suspend him for the Round of 32 clash which will be a huge concern for manager Thomas Tuchel who reports are suggesting may rest the Arsenal star.
Rice completed 90 minutes against Ghana but was spotted limping after the match. This, alongside his risk of being suspended, could lead to Tuchel dropping him this weekend as he looks towards the next round.
The Arsenal midfielder was already managing discomfort in his lower back and upper hamstring earlier in the tournament and admitted to playing through physical problems during the second half of Arsenal's title-winning campaign.
Tuchel will not want to risk further injury to the 27 year old who will be key to their success this summer as England aim to end 60 years of hurt.