The Kansas City Chiefs are approaching Week 1 with a great deal of uncertainty when it comes to the receiver position. Rashee Rice's suspension situation has been given clarity with the star pass-catcher being held out until the middle of October.
On top of that, the status of Hollywood Brown and Jalen Royals has been less clear over the last week as the WR duo has been banged up, too. Now, Chiefs fans have been given a bit of clarity on the situation both their situations from both head coach Andy Reid and from Brown himself, who noted the injury struggles.
"For a while. Even before I got here, I didn't finish the season in Arizona. This is my first season in a while."Hollywood Brown (h/t @@goldmctNFL)
You can't fault Brown for not being self-aware, pointing out the injury tendencies that have often hampered his career. However, it appears for the first time in the last three years that Brown is ready to start the year and make an impact. This is great news for a unit that badly needs Brown's experience and big-play potential.
Andy Reid says WR Jalen Royals is the only player who didn’t practice Tuesday. Says WR Hollywood Brown did everything this week and appears ready to go. pic.twitter.com/1e599Mv35G
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) September 2, 2025
Chiefs Receiver Hollywood Brown Getting Healthy at the Perfect Time
Chiefs reporter Matt Derrick pointed out that HC Reid reported Brown was ready to start the season, while adding that Royals was the only notable Chief not to join practice so far this week. It is great news for a team that needs a hot start in Brazil.
The Chiefs cannot afford to drop a game to Jim Harbaugh's Chargers and invite all of the doubt that is going to follow ahead of a tough matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Without Rice and having injury concerns at the position, it is going to be an uphill battle for KC's aerial attack. Brown's medical update is great news, regardless. It seems likely that Brown and Xavier Worthy are poised to be the primary targets as Travis Kelce continues to take a backseat nearing the end of his career.
For Royals, this is a frustrating update and continues to fumble away a perfect opportunity. The first-year wideout was already garnering comparisons to Rice before the suspension became official. There was a level of hope that he was going to be able to help offset the suspension of one of the league's most underrated receivers.
The plans are on hold with Royals potentially missing time to start the season. This serves as an opportunity for Brown to breathe life back into his career and perhaps cash in on free agency one last time. Reid and Patrick Mahomes are the ultimate talent evaluators, giving the oft-injured receiver a great chance at a comeback season.
The talent is there, and the fit within the KC offense. Brown's biggest concern continues to be whether or not he can stay on the field throughout a full season. Until Chiefs fans see it happen, there is reason for a level of doubt even in the middle of the good news.