Xavier Worthy Injured in Season Opener

Xavier Worthy, the wide receiver for the Chiefs, dislocated his shoulder during a play involving teammate Travis Kelce in their season-opening loss to the Brazilian Chargers on Friday night.

According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Worthy is undergoing further evaluations and is hoping for advice on how to return later in the season.

The 22-year-old was hurt just three plays into the game, colliding with Kelce while running a crossing route, and he had to sit out the remainder of the 27-21 defeat in Sao Paulo.

Some analysis has suggested that his injury appears to be a shoulder dislocation, possibly due to a forceful impact from Kelce. It seems like there might be two paths for recovery: rehabilitation, which could allow him to return in about three weeks, or a longer recovery period if the injury is more severe.

Notably, the Chiefs were already without receiver Racy Rice, who is sidelined for six games due to a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy stemming from a highway incident in March 2024.

Worthy, selected as the 28th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had a noteworthy rookie season. He recorded 59 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns, adding three rushing touchdowns, even scoring twice in a postseason loss to the Eagles in the Super Bowl.

Meanwhile, Hollywood Brown stepped up with 10 receptions for 99 yards, while Juju Smith-Schuster had a solid performance, catching five passes for 55 yards from Patrick Mahomes’ 258 passing yards. Kelce also made an impact, with two receptions, including a 37-yard touchdown.

Tyquan Thornton, in his fourth year, is expected to take on a larger role as the team prepares for a rematch with the Eagles in Week 2.