KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Just a week after what looked like a serious setback, Xavier Worthy was back on the practice field Thursday – and not just as a bystander. The second-year wide receiver went through full drills with his teammates, a surprising development considering he dislocated his right shoulder during the Chiefs’ season opener in São Paulo.
Worthy wasn’t just jogging routes in a red non-contact jersey, either. He was suited up with extra padding, including a sleeve on his right arm and protection around the injured shoulder.
And during the open portion of practice, he didn’t shy away from contact. At one point, he took hits from coaches wielding pugil sticks in a contested catch drill – a clear sign the Chiefs are testing his readiness in a very real way.
Officially, Worthy was listed as a limited participant. But what he showed on the field Thursday suggests he’s pushing hard to be available for Sunday’s primetime clash against the Eagles – a game that already carries early-season urgency for Kansas City.
The injury happened fast and awkwardly. On just the third snap of the Chiefs’ 27-21 loss to the Chargers in Brazil, Worthy collided with tight end Travis Kelce as both ran crossing routes. Kelce has since taken the blame for the miscue on his “New Heights” podcast, calling it a mistake on his part that led to Worthy’s fall.
Now, with Rashee Rice serving a six-game suspension and rookie Jalen Royals dealing with knee tendinitis, the Chiefs’ receiving corps is running thin. That makes Worthy’s recovery all the more important.
He was already expected to be Patrick Mahomes’ top outside target with Rice out – and for good reason. The former Texas standout caught 59 passes for 638 yards and six touchdowns last season, establishing himself as the most electric pass-catcher on the roster not named Kelce.
Simply put: the Chiefs need Worthy. And if Thursday’s practice is any indication, they might just have him.
Kansas City isn’t just trying to navigate injuries and suspensions – they’re also trying to avoid their first 0-2 start since 2014. For a team that went 15-2 last season en route to a Super Bowl appearance, that’s unfamiliar territory.
Sunday’s home game against Philadelphia suddenly feels like more than just a Week 2 matchup. It’s an early litmus test for a team trying to stay on track despite a rocky start.
Worthy’s status will be one to watch closely over the next couple days. But if he keeps trending the way he did Thursday, the Chiefs might just get a much-needed boost when they need it most.
