Hollywood Brown's injury will shift Chiefs' preseason strategy at multiple positions

Hollywood Brown's status is uncertain for the regular season opener. In his first preseason rep with Kansas City, the new Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver got tackled somewhat awkwardly. Brown suffered a sternoclavicular joint injury in the fall and has been given a timeline of 4-6 weeks to return.

As a result, the wide receiver position will possibly look a little different at final roster cuts to complete the 53-man roster. Perhaps, the wide receiver spot is not the only one affected by this Hollywood Brown injury.

What are the major points to focus on following this injury? Here are a few to monitor surrounding the Chiefs roster.

Will the Chiefs keep seven WRs now?

Kansas City may have been looking to keep seven wide receivers on the 53-man roster even before Hollywood's injury, but with his status up in the air for the first regular season game, the Chiefs may look to keep additional insurance at that spot out of the gate. There have already been a few wide receivers battling for final roster spots, however, a new opportunity looks to have slightly opened up.

For names like Justyn Ross, Kadarius Toney, Nikko Remigio, and Skyy Moore, these last few training camp practices and two preseason games became so much more crucial. Ross and Remigio each had some bright spots in the first preseason game at Jacksonville. Ross made a contested catch on the sideline with a vertical route. As for Remigio, there are multiple areas in which he can affect the game, including as one of Kansas City's top kick returners.

Even if Hollywood Brown does not miss much or any time in the regular season, having that extra wide receiver depth for much of the regular season may not hurt the Chiefs. It has always been an offense that spreads the wealth in the Patrick Mahomes era. With so many pieces becoming an option within various offensive formations, Kansas City could look to have the max amount of names available at wide receiver to open the year.

Other Chiefs roster spots that will be affected

When it comes to finalizing other roster spots, the Chiefs may have to keep fewer players at certain positions because of the injury to Hollywood Brown. Does Kansas City have to expose one of their depth offensive linemen to other teams after cuts? Is running back or defensive back going to see a fringe player miss the final roster cut as well?

If you look at offensive line, the Chiefs have always prioritized sturdy depth in the trenches. KC possesses one of the best interior offensive line trios in the league. Along with Jawaan Taylor, it appears that rookie Kingsley Suamataia already has the left tackle spot locked up. Beyond that, Wanya Morris, Mike Caliendo, and Lucas Niang are veterans that the Chiefs will likely hang on to as backup options. Will Kansas City have to leave one of their rookie pieces off the 53-man roster between Hunter Nourzad and C.J. Hanson? If so, outside teams may take a chance on picking them up.

If you look at running back, not many names have stood out behind Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Carson Steele, who may be utilized as a versatile fullback piece, is making his presence felt more than any other depth running back option. However, if the Chiefs feel like they need to pick up another running back after final cuts, fitting that in alongside the impacted wide receiver spots will be fascinating.

Other wide receivers could get an early boost

Hollywood Brown had begun to build a solid rapport with Mahomes in training camp, yet if he misses time early in the year, some other wide receivers will look to stake a bigger claim.

Rookie Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice have been flying around in camp at 100 miles per hour. With Worthy's utility and speed and Rice having another year of experience in the playbook, those two could look to start th eyear hot. Meanwhile, a name like Mecole Hardman has seemingly been able to stave off others in the WR4 or WR5 role in training camp. With his history of making impact plays, his usage could be positively impacted if Brown is indeed out at all.

The all-around speed and potential deep ball is back in the Kansas City offense. But even if Hollywood Brown misses time, there are numerous wide receivers who can beat defenses with those same traits that the injured player offered. Overall, the fallout from this injury is not all negative for the Chiefs offense.