The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the start of the NFL season, but they'll have to do so without one of their key offseason acquisitions, star wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown. The speedy wideout is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after suffering a sternoclavicular joint dislocation during the Chiefs’ preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Brown, who joined the Chiefs as a free agent, made an immediate impact in the preseason game. The first-team offense featured him prominently in their initial series, with Brown making an 11-yard catch on the very first play. Unfortunately, his debut was short-lived. What the team initially reported as a shoulder injury was later confirmed to be a sternoclavicular joint dislocation, an injury that can be quite severe.
Following the injury, Brown was hospitalized for further evaluation, spending a night under medical care before being discharged. Fortunately, he has successfully avoided surgery, but his recovery will still be significant. The injury casts doubt on his availability for the regular season opener on September 5.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid acknowledged the setback, stating, "I think he'll miss some time. We'll just see where it's at."
Learning from the Past
For Chiefs fans, the injury might bring back memories of a similar incident in 2019 when star wide receiver Tyreek Hill suffered a sternoclavicular injury and missed four weeks. Hill's successful return provides a glimmer of hope that Brown, with proper care and rehabilitation, could make a timely return to the lineup.
A Prolific Career
Brown's journey to Kansas City has been noteworthy. Drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens in 2019, he quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker. His breakout season came in 2021, where he recorded over 1,000 receiving yards. After being traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, Brown continued to perform, notching 51 receptions for 574 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games.
Monitoring the Recovery
Andy Reid and his coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on Brown's rehabilitation. Conditioning and physical therapy will be crucial as Brown works his way back to full strength. Given the importance of Brown to the Chiefs’ offensive scheme, his recovery will be a top priority for the team’s medical and coaching staff.
The Chiefs have high hopes for the upcoming season, and the addition of Brown was seen as a significant boost to their already potent offense. His absence, even if temporary, will be felt, but the team will look to its depth and versatility to weather the early part of the season without him.
As the rehabilitation process begins, Chiefs fans and the organization alike will be hoping for a swift and full recovery for Marquise "Hollywood" Brown. His return could provide the spark needed for a successful season run.