Rashee Rice is officially back, and the continued fallout from his return has left Kansas City Fans wondering who might have a reduced role going forward. After Rice, it is clear that Xavier Worthy is going to be in the starting lineup each week, but everything else beyond the duo is a bit of a question mark.
One player who could be in trouble after a rough Week 7 is veteran pass catcher Hollywood Brown. After opening the season as the most targeted Chiefs player, the production has quickly slid downhill, culminating in only two catches for 14 yards, one touchdown, and a fumble in Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Looking at how the roster is built out, it makes the most sense for Kansas City's offense to move away from Brown if someone has to go before the Nov. 4 trade deadline.
Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown is Playing on Borrowed Time
The Chiefs' embarrassment of riches in their pass-catching situation has opened the door to moving on from Brown. Fortunately, there's enough talent there that the impact of a potential divorce won't even be felt.
Travis Kelce is a predictable security blanket, while receivers Rice, Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton have the most upside as playmakers. JuJu Smith-Schuster is a willing blocker and fiery presence who makes the veteran a great secondary option.
One of the most exciting developments of the early part of the season is the building chemistry between Thornton and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This is evidenced by the three touchdowns as averaging well over 20 yards per catch. Thornton has clearly proven that he can be a downfield threat, which only gives general manager Brett Veach another reason to move on from Brown.
Not only do the Chiefs have a pass catcher with more proven upside ahead of Brown, but there remains the mystery of rookie Jalen Royals. Before injuries derailed the start to his season, there was a sense of belief that Royals could be a less talented version of Rice. Expectations were understandably high and remain even with the rookie struggling to get on the field.
Browns' regression opens the door not only for him to play fewer snaps, but perhaps for the organization to consider a deadline trade. Looking around the league, there are plenty of teams that could offer Brown far more snaps and perhaps give the Chiefs something in return, especially since he's on an expiring contract and may not sign another with Kansas City.
Whether the downward-trending play means a potential deadline deal that finds Brown a new landing spot or simply fewer snaps, it is clear the direction this is heading. Monday Night Football's matchup is with the Washington Commanders, and the struggling WR needs a defining performance that quiets all of the concerns.
If not, it seems likely his role will continue to shrink if he's even lucky enough to end the season with the Chiefs.