The most interesting storyline to emerge from Kansas City Chiefs camp and preseason action has been the debate at the receiver position. With a suspension still expected for Rashee Rice, an exciting battle has emerged at the bottom of the depth chart. Added to this is veteran Hollywood Brown, following a familiar script, struggling with injuries. This was supposed to be the year that second-year chemistry with the pass catcher and Patrick Mahomes took a step forward.
Bringing back the receiver is already a bit of a frustration due to injuries that continue to haunt the undersized pass catcher. However, rookie Jalen Royals has seen this as an opportunity and taken full advantage. Seeing the chemistry already being built within the offense is already exciting Kansas City fans.
Royals was a 4th-round selection and appears to have been an incredible bargain. If both Brown and Rice are out to start the season, there is a great deal of belief that the rookie could crack the starting lineup. Even with a fully healthy team, the pass catcher is going to be the 4th or 5th option at the position. The camp performance has been far too exciting to ignore, and a big piece of this is due to Brown's struggles.
Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown (ankle) is sitting out of Tuesday's practice again, but was on the field tossing around the weight ball. #Chiefskingdom pic.twitter.com/XNsH5kSNK0
— Taylor Burr (@TaylorBurr10) August 12, 2025
Chiefs Veteran Receiver Hollywood Brown Continues to Struggle to Stay Healthy
While it isn't as if Brown can help the constant injuries throughout his career, it doesn't make the situation any less frustrating. The latest ankle injury had the veteran on the side, working with a weighted ball while the rest of the offense was given valuable practice reps. This has so often been the story of Brown's career.
Just appeareing a step short of becoming a star contributor, always held back by an unexpected injury. It has been exactly what has happened in both of the veteran's seasons with the Chiefs thus far. This makes it hard not to have a high level of frustration and very little expectations for a player who simply cannot stay on the field.
For Royals, this is a huge opportunity the rookie is currently taking full advantage of. Not only is the receiver earning the trust of Mahomes, but more importantly, of playcaller Andy Reid. This happening so early in camp is a promising start to a career.
One that perhaps will provide a surprise source of offense, allowing the Chiefs offense to get back to a familiar dominance that has been missing even in the middle of a dynastic run.