Kansas City, MO – September 6, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs returned from Brazil with more than just a tough 27-21 loss to the Chargers. They also carried home new concerns, most notably the health of second-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
Worthy exited the first quarter after a mid-play collision with Travis Kelce left him clutching his shoulder. Initially ruled questionable before being downgraded to out, his absence disrupted a receiving corps already stretched thin without suspended star Rashee Rice.
On Saturday, team sources confirmed MRI results showed a mild AC joint sprain. While not season-threatening, Worthy is expected to miss one to two games. His durability had been a bright spot until this first significant setback.
Head coach Andy Reid labeled the update “encouraging,” noting the injury was far less severe than initially feared. “We’ll be smart with him, but it’s nothing long-term. The medical staff believes he’ll be back soon,” Reid told reporters.
Travis Kelce killed Xavier Worthy pic.twitter.com/BmuBNeTVWY
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 6, 2025
Other players also endured scares in São Paulo. Linebackers Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton, along with rookie Ashton Gillotte, all dealt with minor issues but finished the contest. Reid said each should be ready when Week 2 preparations begin.
Patrick Mahomes acknowledged Worthy’s absence forced adjustments. “Other guys had to step up,” Mahomes said. “Tyquan Thornton, Hollywood Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster did a great job filling those roles, but you could tell it slowed us down early.”
The Chiefs fought valiantly despite the injuries. Mahomes powered in a rushing touchdown, then connected with Kelce for a 37-yard score. Yet the Chargers’ late surge proved decisive, sending Kansas City home at 0-1.
With a looming Super Bowl LIX rematch against the Eagles next week, Kansas City hopes Worthy’s timeline proves accurate. Even a short-term absence magnifies pressure on a wideout group still searching for reliability behind its quarterback.
