As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for the upcoming season, they will be without the electrifying presence of their new acquisition, wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown. Brown is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after suffering a sternoclavicular joint dislocation in the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Brown, who joined the Chiefs as a free agent, made an immediate impact in the preseason game, hauling in an 11-yard catch on the very first play. Initially listed as questionable due to a shoulder injury, further evaluation revealed the dislocation, leading to his hospitalization for overnight observation. Fortunately, Brown has avoided surgery, but his recovery timeline casts doubt over his availability for the regular season opener on September 5.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed Brown’s situation cautiously, remarking, "I think he'll miss some time. We'll just see where it's at." This statement underscores the uncertainty surrounding Brown's return and the team's approach to managing his rehabilitation.
Brown’s injury is reminiscent of the sternoclavicular injury suffered by Tyreek Hill in 2019, which sidelined him for four weeks. While comparisons to Hill are inevitable, every player’s recovery is unique, and the Chiefs' medical team will be tailoring Brown’s rehabilitation program to his specific needs. Conditioning and physical therapy will be critical components of his recovery process.
The setback is particularly disheartening for Brown, who was part of the Chiefs’ first-team offense during the initial series of the preseason game. With a stellar track record, including a 1,000-yard season in 2021 with the Baltimore Ravens and solid contributions in his 2022 stint with the Arizona Cardinals, Brown was poised to be a significant contributor to Kansas City’s aerial attack. Last season, he accumulated 51 receptions for 574 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games, showcasing his playmaking ability and consistency.
As Brown embarks on his road to recovery, the Chiefs' coaching staff will be closely monitoring his progress. Andy Reid and his team understand the importance of having a healthy Brown on the field and will ensure that he undergoes a comprehensive rehabilitation regimen.
Brown's determination and commitment to his recovery will be pivotal. The Chiefs’ wide receiver corps will need to step up in his absence, and Kansas City fans eagerly await his return to see the dynamic impact he undoubtedly will bring to the team. While the timeline remains uncertain, the anticipation builds as the Chiefs hope to have "Hollywood" lighting up the field sooner rather than later.