Xavier Worthy suffered a shoulder injury that will sideline him for a minimum of four to six weeks, a major setback for both him and the Kansas City Chiefs. The unfortunate play that caused his absence came during a collision with his own teammate, star tight end Travis Kelce.
The incident occurred early in the first quarter of a game held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, against the Los Angeles Chargers, which ultimately ended in a loss for Andy Reid’s team. On the play, both receivers were running routes in opposite directions when they accidentally collided. Kelce’s size and strength overpowered the smaller Worthy, resulting in the injury.
Worthy was immediately taken off the field for an initial evaluation of his shoulder discomfort. After being examined in the locker room, his return was first listed as questionable. However, the team later confirmed that he would not re-enter the game and that further tests would be conducted to determine the full extent of the damage.
Kelce, visibly frustrated, addressed the incident by taking full responsibility, emphasizing that as a veteran with over a decade of experience, he should have handled the situation better.
I’m supposed to be running my route at depth for Worthy… So, it’s frustrating for me. I was trying to kind of set up my guy to be able to get into position, and it all just happened pretty quick. I just gotta be better, man. I’m 13 years in the league. There is no excuse for me running into my own guys like that.
Kelce admitted on his podcast, New Heights.
The importance of Xavier Worthy
Worthy did not have the chance to make an impact in the game, as the injury occurred so early in the matchup. Kelce, meanwhile, finished with two receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown.
With Worthy now unavailable for several weeks, the Chiefs must decide whether to promote a player from the practice squad or seek help through free agency. The team will need to ensure quarterback Patrick Mahomes has enough weapons to keep the offense functioning at a high level.
Expectations for Worthy’s second season in Kansas City were extremely high. Drafted 28th overall, he made an immediate impact as a rookie, quickly becoming a key component of the Chiefs’ offensive scheme. The organization and its fans had hoped 2025 would mark his breakout year, positioning him among the league’s elite young receivers.
For now, his focus will be on recovery and returning to full strength so he can continue to play a pivotal role for the franchise.
The Chiefs’ next challenge is a high-profile rematch of last season’s Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles. Kansas City will be looking for redemption after being thoroughly outplayed by the reigning champions in February.
Read the full article here
