The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the new season, but they will be without one of their key offensive weapons as they take the field. Star wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is expected to miss the first 4-6 weeks of the season due to a sternoclavicular joint dislocation.
Brown sustained the injury during the Chiefs’ preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was part of the first-team offense for the initial series and caught an 11-yard pass on the very first play. However, what initially appeared to be a minor shoulder injury was later revealed to be more serious. Following further evaluation and a night in the hospital, it was confirmed that Brown had dislocated his sternoclavicular joint, a rare and painful injury that will require significant recovery time.
Brown’s injury has cast doubts on his availability for the Chiefs' regular season opener on September 5. “I think he’ll miss some time. We’ll just see where it’s at,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Brown’s return to the field. The team will closely monitor his recovery, which will include intensive conditioning and physical therapy.
This setback comes just as Brown was beginning to integrate into the Chiefs’ offensive scheme after joining the team as a free agent. His pedigree is well-established, as he was a first-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2019. Brown had a standout season in 2021, achieving a 1,000-yard campaign. Though his performance dipped somewhat after being traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, where he caught 51 passes for 574 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games, his potential impact on the Chiefs’ offense is undeniable.
Interestingly, this is not the first time the Chiefs have dealt with a sternoclavicular injury in a key player. In 2019, star wide receiver Tyreek Hill suffered a similar injury and was sidelined for four weeks. The team’s medical staff and coaching experts will draw on their experience managing Hill’s recovery as they navigate Brown’s rehabilitation process.
The Chiefs' offense, engineered by Reid, is known for its explosive plays and dynamic passing game. Brown’s speed and playmaking ability were expected to add another dimension to an already potent attack. As he undergoes recovery, Reid and his staff will need to make strategic adjustments to compensate for his absence. The Chief’s depth at wide receiver will be tested, and other players will need to step up to fill the void left by Brown’s injury.
While the timing of Brown’s availability remains uncertain, both the team and the player are hopeful for a full recovery without the need for surgical intervention, which has already been avoided. His return to the lineup will be eagerly anticipated by both fans and teammates, and his progress in the coming weeks will be closely scrutinized.