Chiefs' Marquise Brown out 4-6 weeks with sternoclavicular injury

Kansas City Chiefs receiver, Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, is facing a lengthy recovery period due to a sternoclavicular injury, as reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Brown's involvement in the preseason opener against the Jaguars resulted in the injury, leading to his hospitalization.

Injury and Impact on Season

During the preseason opener against the Jaguars, the Chiefs' first-team offense, including superstar Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and newcomer Brown, took the field for the initial series. Brown showcased his skills with an 11-yard catch, but the moment turned sour as he was visibly in pain post-catch. The team promptly listed him as questionable due to a shoulder injury. Head coach Andy Reid later revealed that Brown suffered a sternoclavicular joint dislocation, resulting in his hospitalization for further evaluation. Fortunately, Brown avoided surgery but is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks, casting doubt on his status for the regular season opener on Sept. 5.

Brown's injury mirrors the unfortunate experience of former Chiefs star receiver Tyreek Hill, who suffered the same injury in 2019, causing him to miss four weeks. With the Chiefs' regular season opener approaching in less than a month, the team is in uncertainty regarding Brown's participation, adding a concern to the initial weeks of the 2024 season.

Brown's Journey in the NFL

Before joining the Chiefs, the 27-year-old receiver was a first-round draft choice of the Baltimore Ravens in 2019, demonstrating his potential as a deep threat with a notable 1,000-yard campaign in 2021. Subsequently, he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, where his performance was hindered by injury, interrupting his production. Last season, despite battling through challenges, Brown played 14 games, recording 51 receptions for 574 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his resilience.

As the Chiefs look towards the upcoming season, the team will have to navigate the initial weeks without the dynamic presence of Hollywood Brown, evaluating their options to fill the gap left by his absence. The swift recovery and potential return of the talented receiver will be a focal point for the Chiefs as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the highly contested NFL landscape.