The Kansas City Chiefs' early-season aspirations have taken a hit as they will be without star wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown for the start of the season. Brown is expected to miss 4-6 weeks following a sternoclavicular joint dislocation sustained during the Chiefs’ preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Unexpected Setback
Brown, who joined Kansas City as a free agent, quickly became an integral part of the Chiefs' first-team offense. In the preseason game, he made an immediate impact with an 11-yard catch on the very first play of the initial series. However, the excitement was short-lived as Brown was injured shortly thereafter and initially listed as questionable with a shoulder injury. Later, it was revealed that he had dislocated his sternoclavicular joint and was subsequently hospitalized for further evaluation. After spending one night under medical care, the wide receiver was discharged and has thankfully avoided surgery.
Recovery Timeline
Head coach Andy Reid and his staff will be closely monitoring Brown’s recovery process, which will significantly involve conditioning and physical therapy. "I think he'll miss some time. We'll just see where it's at," Reid commented, reflecting on the uncertain timeline for Brown's return. Given the nature of the injury, the four to six-week recovery period places his availability for the regular season opener on September 5 in doubt.
Interestingly, this setback is reminiscent of a similar injury sustained by Tyreek Hill in 2019. Hill missed four weeks with a sternoclavicular injury, providing a somewhat optimistic outlook for Brown’s potential return. Nevertheless, every player’s recovery is unique, and the Chiefs staff will be cautious, given Brown’s importance to their offensive lineup.
Brown’s Ups and Downs
Marquise Brown, a first-round draft choice by the Baltimore Ravens in 2019, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career. In 2021, he achieved a milestone with a 1,000-yard campaign with the Ravens. Following a trade to the Arizona Cardinals, he caught 51 passes for 574 yards and four touchdowns across 14 games in the 2022 season. His addition to the Chiefs was viewed as a considerable boost to an already potent offense led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Next Steps for the Chiefs
With Brown sidelined, the Chiefs will need to look to their depth chart to fill the void. The aspect of whether Brown can seamlessly reintegrate into the lineup post-recovery will be crucial. The focus on conditioning and physical therapy during his rehabilitation will be paramount to ensure he returns in peak form and ready to contribute.
As the Chiefs navigate the beginning of the season without one of their key offensive weapons, the coaching staff, including Andy Reid, will undoubtedly be adaptable. Reid’s experience and strategic acumen will guide the team through this early challenge, with the hope that Marquise Brown can make a swift and effective return to the field.
While this setback is significant, the Chiefs have shown resilience in their past endeavors. With a strong roster and competent coaching, Kansas City aims to start strong and eagerly anticipates the return of their dynamic receiver, Hollywood Brown.