The defending champs will be forced to march on without one of their track stars. The fans that are a part of ‘Chiefs Kingdom’ will have to exercise patience before they can show off their brand-new toy. It could be quite some time before star receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown makes his debut for the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Brown is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday to repair the dislocated AC joint in his shoulder and will be placed on injured reserve, which means he will be on the shelf for at least four weeks. The Chiefs plan to “monitor his rehab progress throughout the season” before mapping out a timetable for his return to the field.
Schultz went on to say that “multiple imaging studies” showed that Brown’s shoulder injury “was not healing correctly.” The 27-year-old would be putting himself in harms way and risking a more serious injury that would have significant long-term effects if he chose not to undergo corrective surgery.
On Monday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid told the assembled media that Brown was “getting close” and “feeling better.” However, it appears that things took a downward trajectory during the week that led to Brown choosing the last resort, opting for Monday’s procedure.
Embed from Getty ImagesBrown dislocated his shoulder in Kansas City’s first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 10 and had not practiced since. He was relegated to a cheerleader for his team’s season-opening 27-20 win against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday.
The Chiefs signed Brown during the free agency period to a one-year deal in March with the hopes and expectations that he would fill the role of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ top receiving option beside tight end Travis Kelce. The University of Oklahoma product began his career with the Ravens and spent the last two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, totaling 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns in his five-year career.
Without Brown in the lineup, Mahomes leaned on second-year receiver Rashee Rice against the Ravens, and 2024 first-round pick Xavier Worthy was also given a chance to shine. Rice paced the team with seven receptions and 103 yards while Worthy recorded rushing and receiving touchdowns.
The Chiefs will continue to rely on their depth as they move forward without Brown, and they will look to improve to 2-0 when they meet their nemeses, the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
