Matt Nagy Reveals Hollywood Brown's Surprise Week 1 Replacement

The Chiefs are preparing for the possibility that new WR Marquise "Hollywood" Brown will miss the start of the regular season following the concerning shoulder injury he suffered in Saturday's preseason loss to the Jaguars.

Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy spoke to reporters following Tuesday's practice, singling out veteran wideout Justin Watson as a player who will step up and fill Brown's role should the speedster miss Week 1 against the Ravens on September 5.

It wasn't clear who would take over Brown's role, with rookie Xavier Worthy seeming like the most likely option. Nagy specifically naming Watson is a surprise in that sense, and also an indication that the coaching staff is concerned about Brown's availability.

Matt Nagy Says Justin Watson Can Handle Hollywood Brown's Role

On Monday, Reid wouldn't rule out Brown playing in Week 1, though Tuesday's comments from Nagy pour cold water on that possibility.

Watson quickly became a trusted target for Patrick Mahomes over the last two years. He caught 27 of 53 passes for 560 yards and three TDs in 2023, averaging 17 yards per catch with numerous third-down conversions to move the sticks.

He's athletic with plenty of leaping ability, though doesn't have the pedigree that Brown does. His veteran experience gives Watson an edge over someone like Worthy, though Watson's ceiling as a player is much lower than the rookie's.

Even in the Super Bowl, Watson still put up 54 receiving yards on three catches. It suddenly sounds like Watson will be one of the Chiefs' most important offensive players early on, especially given the difficult opening stretch of the schedule.

Fans won't be happy to hear that Worthy isn't the first man up. Even still, he figures to have an expanded role as well should Brown miss significant time.

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