Hollywood Brown Injury
Image Sourced From Jordan Foote at SI
Chiefs Hollywood Brown opened play with an 11-yard reception. In a disappointing turn of events for Kansas City Chiefs fans, the wide receiver suffered a shoulder injury during the team’s preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The injury occurred on the very first play of the game, as Brown caught a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes for an 11-yard gain. However, he appeared to be favoring his shoulder following the play and was subsequently ruled questionable to return by the team.
Brown, who signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs in March, was expected to provide a much-needed boost to the team’s receiving corps. The 27-year-old had a career-low 574 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 14 games with the Baltimore Ravens last season, but he has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, including a 1,008-yard campaign in 2021.
The injury is particularly concerning given Brown’s history of health issues. He has struggled with various ailments throughout his career, including foot, ankle, and knee problems. The severity of his current shoulder injury remains unclear, but Chiefs head coach Andy Reid compared it to a sternoclavicular joint dislocation, which is similar to the injury that Tyreek Hill suffered in 2019. Hill missed four games that season, raising concerns about Brown’s availability for the start of the regular season.
Kansas City Chiefs Receiver Problems
The Chiefs’ receiving corps has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency in recent years, and Brown’s addition was seen as a potential solution to these problems. However, his early exit from the preseason opener has cast a shadow over the team’s hopes for a more dynamic passing attack in 2024 depending on how long he is out.
As Brown undergoes further evaluation, Chiefs fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on his condition. The team will likely take a cautious approach with their new receiver, prioritizing his long-term health over short-term gains. In the meantime, players like Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy will have an opportunity to step up and fill the void left by Brown’s absence. While the injury is undoubtedly a setback for the Chiefs, it’s worth noting that the preseason is a time for experimentation and evaluation. The team will have several weeks to adjust their game plan and find alternative solutions if Brown is unable to return to the field in the near future.
As for Brown himself, this latest setback is a reminder of the fragility of an athlete’s career. Despite his undeniable talent, he has struggled to stay healthy throughout his time in the NFL. Here’s hoping that he can overcome this latest hurdle and return to the field at full strength, ready to showcase his skills and help the Chiefs work towards a three-peat in 2024.
Check out the fantasy impact of Brown’s injury > WR PPR Rankings