The Kansas City Chiefs will embark on the start of their season without one of their key offensive weapons, Marquise "Hollywood" Brown. The star wide receiver is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks after dislocating his sternoclavicular joint.
Brown sustained the injury in the Chiefs' preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The wide receiver, who joined Kansas City as a free agent, was part of the first-team offense and made an 11-yard catch on the very first play of the game. Initially listed as questionable due to a shoulder injury, further evaluation revealed the more severe dislocation of his sternoclavicular joint.
The injury necessitated Brown’s hospitalization, where he stayed for one night before being discharged. Fortunately, he has managed to avoid surgery, but his recovery timeline has put his availability for the regular season opener on September 5 in doubt. "I think he'll miss some time. We'll just see where it's at," commented Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
Brown’s Impact and Career
Marquise Brown, a first-round draft choice by the Baltimore Ravens in 2019, has established himself as a dynamic receiver in the NFL. He had a standout 1,000-yard campaign with the Ravens in 2021 before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals. In 2022, he caught 51 passes for 574 yards and scored four touchdowns across 14 games.
The Chiefs had hoped to integrate Brown into their offense seamlessly, with high expectations for his contributions this season. His early connection with the team was evident as he took part in the first-team offense during the preseason game.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
The path to recovery for Brown will involve conditioning and physical therapy, which the Chiefs’ coaching staff will be closely monitoring. Brown's injury is not unprecedented in the league; in 2019, Kansas City's own Tyreek Hill suffered a similar sternoclavicular joint dislocation and missed four weeks.
Andy Reid and his medical team will be cautious in managing Brown’s rehab process to ensure his full recovery before he returns to the field. Ensuring that Brown is in peak physical condition upon his return will be crucial for the Chiefs' offensive plans this season.
Chiefs' Offensive Adjustments
Brown's absence will undoubtedly force the Chiefs to make adjustments as they prepare for the season opener. While the team boasts a talented roster, the loss of a player of Brown’s caliber is significant. The Chiefs will likely look to other receivers to step up in Brown’s absence, ensuring that their offense remains potent and competitive.
As the Chiefs march towards the regular season, the focus will be on getting Brown back to full strength as swiftly and safely as possible. His journey back to the field will be one to watch, as fans and the team alike hope for his rapid recovery and return to form.