The Kansas City Chiefs will begin their season without the services of star wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, who is expected to miss 4–6 weeks after suffering a sternoclavicular joint dislocation.
Brown's injury occurred during the Chiefs’ preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The wide receiver, a free-agent acquisition, was part of the first-team offense for the initial series of the preseason game and caught an 11-yard pass on the very first play. Initially listed as questionable due to a shoulder injury, further evaluation revealed the sternoclavicular joint dislocation, resulting in Brown being hospitalized for one night and subsequently discharged without requiring surgery.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid commented on the situation, stating, "I think he'll miss some time. We'll just see where it's at."
Brown's recovery timeline casts doubt on his availability for the regular season opener on September 5. Conditioning and physical therapy will play a significant role in his rehabilitation process.
Impact on the Chiefs' Offense
Brown joined Kansas City to bolster their receiving corps, bringing with him a notable track record. Drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens in 2019, he had a breakout 1,000-yard season in 2021. Last season, after being traded to the Arizona Cardinals, Brown recorded 51 receptions for 574 yards and four touchdowns over 14 games. His absence will be felt, and the Chiefs coaching staff, led by Reid, will need to closely monitor his progress.
The recovery process Brown is facing is not entirely unprecedented in the NFL. In 2019, Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill suffered a similar sternoclavicular injury and missed four weeks. This comparable scenario offers some hope that Brown could follow a similar timeline, depending on how his rehabilitation progresses.
Next Steps for the Chiefs
Brown’s absence leaves a significant gap in the Chiefs’ receiving lineup. The team will look towards the remaining wide receivers and potentially adjust their offensive strategies while Brown recovers. His participation in conditioning and physical therapy sessions will be crucial in expediting his return to the field.
The Chiefs organization and their fans will keep a close watch on updates regarding Brown's condition. His ability to return swiftly will have significant implications for the team's early-season performance. As the September 5 opener approaches, the Chiefs' management and coaching staff will have to make strategic adjustments in anticipation of Brown's absence.
With high hopes for their newly-acquired star receiver, the Chiefs will need to navigate the upcoming weeks with resilience and adaptability. Marquise "Hollywood" Brown's recovery will be a storyline to follow as the NFL season unfolds.