Hollywood Brown Set to Return to Practice for Chiefs After Long Injury Layoff
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are about to get a much-needed boost to their wide receiver corps. Wide receiver Hollywood Brown is set to practice on Friday for the first time since suffering a sternoclavicular injury back in August, according to a source. This marks a significant step forward for Brown, who has been sidelined since the Chiefs’ very first play of the preseason.
Brown’s injury occurred during a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, when he was tackled and suffered the sternoclavicular injury. The setback required surgery and landed him on the injured reserve list. Despite the grim start to his Chiefs tenure, the team remained optimistic that Brown could return at some point this season—and now, that hope is becoming a reality.
Under NFL rules, the Chiefs now have a three-week window to activate Brown from injured reserve. While it’s unlikely that he’ll suit up for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, fans could see him back on the field as soon as Week 16, when Kansas City takes on the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium. That potential return date is sure to have Chiefs Kingdom buzzing with excitement.
Brown’s Importance to the Chiefs’ Offense
Let’s not forget why Brown’s return is such a big deal. The Chiefs made a splash in free agency by signing him, hoping he would be a key piece in revitalizing their passing game. Alongside first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy, Brown was expected to help quarterback Patrick Mahomes keep the offense firing on all cylinders.
Unfortunately, injuries have plagued Kansas City’s wide receiver group this season. Rashee Rice, the team’s top wide receiver, went down with a knee injury in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers and is out for the season. That left Worthy to step up as the team’s leading wide receiver, and he’s done an admirable job, racking up 38 catches for 448 yards and four touchdowns so far this season. Still, the Chiefs’ passing attack hasn’t quite been the same without the depth and explosiveness they envisioned when they brought in Brown.
What’s Next for the Chiefs?
As the Chiefs prepare for a grueling stretch of games, the timing of Brown’s return couldn’t be better. Kansas City is currently navigating a congested schedule, and even Mahomes himself has expressed frustration with the grind. “It’s not a good feeling,” Mahomes said about the upcoming slate of games. The Chiefs will need all hands on deck as they push toward the playoffs, and getting Brown back in the mix could be a game-changer.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what lies ahead for Kansas City:
- Week 15: At Cleveland Browns
- Week 16: Vs. Houston Texans (potential return for Brown)
- Week 17: At New England Patriots
With a 12-1 record, the Chiefs are sitting pretty atop the AFC standings, but they’ve faced their fair share of criticism. Some analysts have even questioned whether this is the “worst 12-1 team ever,” pointing to inconsistencies in their performances. Adding a dynamic playmaker like Brown back into the lineup could help silence those doubters and give the Chiefs the offensive spark they need to make a deep postseason run.
Final Thoughts
Hollywood Brown’s return to practice is a welcome sight for Chiefs fans and a reminder of the team’s resilience in the face of adversity. While it remains to be seen how quickly he can get back to game speed, his presence alone should provide a morale boost for a team that’s already one of the NFL’s best. Keep an eye on Week 16—it could be the moment when Brown finally makes his long-awaited debut in a Chiefs uniform. And if he lives up to the hype, Kansas City’s offense might just reach a whole new level.
Originally Written by: Adam Teicher
