Marquise Brown image credit-x.com/Primetime_jet
The Kansas City Chiefs have suffered a setback as wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is set to miss a substantial portion of the regular season due to a shoulder injury. After being sidelined in Week One, the Chiefs made the decision to place Brown on injured reserve as the injury requires surgical intervention.
Injury Woes: Surgery Required After Failed Healing Attempt
Brown’s shoulder injury, which prevented him from playing in the Chiefs’ season opener, hasn’t responded to rest and time off. Reports confirm that Brown will undergo surgery to repair the issue, extending his absence beyond the four-week minimum that comes with the injured reserve designation. Initial estimates suggest Brown could be out much longer, raising concerns about his availability for a significant chunk of the season.
The injury is a blow to both Brown and the Chiefs, as the dynamic receiver signed a one-year contract with Kansas City in March, intending to add speed and playmaking ability to the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. Brown was expected to be a key deep threat for quarterback Patrick Mahomes but his shoulder injury has delayed that partnership.
Chiefs’ Receiving Corps: Other Players Stepping Up
With Brown unavailable, the Chiefs will rely heavily on the remaining members of their receiving group. This includes Rashee Rice, who had a standout performance in Week One, hauling in seven catches for 103 yards. Xavier Worthy also made a splash, recording a touchdown reception and an additional score on the ground in his NFL debut.
Alongside Rice and Worthy, the Chiefs will lean on experienced targets like Justin Watson, Skyy Moore and Mecole Hardman, as well as former standout JuJu Smith-Schuster, to fill the void left by Brown’s absence. The early performances of Rice and Worthy give the Chiefs hope that they can maintain offensive balance despite Brown’s injury.
Outlook: Brown’s Return Remains Uncertain
Although the Chiefs initially hoped to see Brown make an immediate impact, his injury has dashed those expectations for now. The team will have to wait until later in the season, depending on his recovery timeline, to see how the former Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens receiver fits into their offensive scheme.
In the meantime, the Chiefs’ offense, led by Mahomes, will have to rely on its other weapons to maintain its explosive capabilities, with Rice and Worthy now at the forefront.