KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Wide receiver Marquise Brown made his return to practice with the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday, generating optimism within the team that one of their top free-agent signings will be able to play a significant role in the final stretch of the season and the upcoming playoffs.

Brown has been on injured reserve since he suffered a dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint in his shoulder during the initial play of the preseason opener against Jacksonville. His return for a brisk practice session initiates a 21-day period for the Chiefs to determine if they will activate him, but it is expected that a decision will be made sooner rather than later.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Brown would not be ready to play during the game against Cleveland on Sunday, but noted there is a possibility he could return in the following weeks, specifically for the Saturday matchup against Houston or on Christmas Day when the team travels to Pittsburgh.

“It’s great to have him back. He had a productive day and clearly showed he has been working hard,” Reid stated. “His conditioning isn’t an issue, and he had plenty of practice reps.”

Brown signed a contract worth $7 million with the Chiefs, hoping a standout season alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes would lead to a longer-term deal in the offseason. Over his first five years in the NFL, he has recorded 313 catches for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns.

He fully participated in the Chiefs’ offseason workout program, even training with Mahomes in Texas, before injuring his shoulder on August 10 in the game against Jacksonville. Initially, the injury was not expected to sideline him for an extended period, but when medical imaging revealed improper healing, he required surgery.

The team is optimistic about Brown’s return, particularly as they have already secured the AFC West title for the ninth consecutive year and are positioned well in the race for the top seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs.