The Kansas City Chiefs‘ wide receiver corps just took a significant hit as Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is set to be placed on injured reserve. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Brown will undergo surgery to repair a sternoclavicular (SC) joint dislocation he suffered during Kansas City’s preseason opener.
“After multiple imaging studies, it was determined that, although Hollywood felt better, his injury was not healing correctly,” Schultz wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Without corrective surgery, he would risk a more serious long-term injury.” The surgery is scheduled for Monday, with Dr. Peter Millett in Vail, Colorado, and the Chiefs will closely monitor Brown’s rehab throughout the season.
Sources: The #Chiefs are placing WR Marquise "Hollywood" Brown on IR, and he will undergo surgery to repair his dislocated SC joint. After multiple imaging studies, it was determined that, although Hollywood felt better, his injury was not healing correctly. Without corrective… pic.twitter.com/xtRRMvmseq
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 13, 2024
Andy Reid’s Earlier Optimism
This news comes as a bit of a surprise. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid had expressed optimism just days earlier about Brown’s recovery. “He’s getting close. I know he’s feeling better,” Reid said during a press conference on September 9. Reid noted that Brown had been undergoing tests and scans to track his progress, and at the time, everything seemed to be heading in the right direction.
Fans React to Hollywood Brown’s Setback
Fans on X had mixed reactions to the news of Brown’s injury. Some expressed disappointment but held onto the hope of a midseason return.
“Major bummer but hopefully still has a chance to return later in the season,” one fan wrote, adding that Brown could provide a “huge midseason boost” if healthy.
Others pointed out the importance of Kansas City’s depth at receiver. With Brown out, the Chiefs will rely more heavily on veterans like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Mecole Hardman, and Justin Watson to step up.
Xavier Worthy’s Rise to the Occasion
One player who has already benefited from Brown’s absence is rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy. The first-round pick was highly productive in Week 1, playing 34 of a possible 54 offensive snaps against the Baltimore Ravens. Worthy finished the game with 2 receptions, 1 touchdown, and even added a 21-yard rushing touchdown.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes praised Worthy’s poise after the 27-20 victory over Baltimore. “He’s so cool, calm, and collected like all the time. You never even see the excitement on him, but he goes up there and makes plays,” Mahomes said.
What’s Next for the Chiefs’ Offense?
With Brown set to miss at least a month, Worthy is expected to take on an even larger role. While the Chiefs’ offense is still clicking, adding explosive plays from a rising talent like Worthy will be crucial as Kansas City continues to compete in a tough AFC landscape. Brown’s potential return later in the season could give the Chiefs the added firepower they need for a deep playoff run.
For now, all eyes will be on Worthy and the rest of the Chiefs’ receiving corps as they step up in Brown’s absence.
