Xavier Worthy, the Kansas City Chiefs’ blazing-fast wideout, saw his 2025 start derailed in brutal fashion when he collided with Travis Kelce on the opening drive against the Los Angeles Chargers. The shoulder dislocation left him writhing in pain and instantly ruled him out, with the team later tagging him as “doubtful” for Sunday’s clash against the Philadelphia Eagles.

For a Kansas City offense already walking a thin line with its depth, the timing couldn’t have been worse.

“I ran into one of my guys and off-ed him out of the game,” Kelce admitted on the New Heights podcast, his frustration pouring out. “That’s one of the most frustrating parts, and it’s hard to get your juices back going knowing you just hurt a guy.” That blunt confession summed up the Chiefs’ rocky season start, where one wrong step or collision feels like it could tilt the balance of the entire offense.

With Worthy sidelined, Patrick Mahomes had to rely heavily on Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Brown led the receiving corps with 10 receptions for 99 yards. But the absence of Worthy’s speed changed the dynamic. During that game, Kelce had two catches for 47 yards and a touchdown.

And now, that adjustment will translate into Week 2 as well. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Worthy is still “recovering from a dislocated shoulder, is doubtful vs the #Eagles on Sunday.” The team is cautious, knowing the risk of rushing back might jeopardize the season for their young star.

#Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy, recovering from a dislocated shoulder, is doubtful vs the #Eagles on Sunday.

Meanwhile, practice reports offered some encouragement: Worthy returned to the field on Sept. 11 & 12, visibly wearing protective padding and a brace. But he even made a sharp one-handed catch during drills. While not a guarantee he’ll suit up Sunday, the flashes of his form have raised optimism.

It’s clear the team is managing this injury with the utmost care. He might have to go for weeks of intense rehab, so the decision to limit Worthy’s workload also signals the Chiefs’ long-term approach. There’s no indication the star receiver requires surgery, which is a relief across the organization. But he may be sidelined for at least 2-3 weeks.

From the fans’ perspective, the injury cast a shadow over the Chiefs’ offense. The receiver room, already thin due to Rashee Rice’s suspension and Jalen Royals‘ injury, must adapt quickly. Yet the encouraging progression in practice and the cautious optimism from staff are reasons to believe Worthy could be back sooner than feared, possibly as soon as Week 3 against the Ravens. And the head coach, Andy Reid, isn’t giving up on him either.

Andy Reid holds out hope for Xavier Worthy

Big Red addressed Worthy’s status in his latest update. He acknowledged the injury but refused to completely rule him out. Reid called it a “slim chance” that Worthy will be ready to play on Sunday. But also emphasized, “there’s still a chance.” This cautious optimism shows the Chiefs are hopeful for a speedy recovery, despite the serious nature of shoulder dislocations.

Reid’s approach strikes a balance between realism and hope. He recognized the severity of the injury but affirmed Worthy’s rehab was progressing well. The coach highlighted Worthy’s limited participation in team activities on Sept. 12, signaling that the staff is ready to ease him back cautiously. “He did a little bit of team work [Friday]. But that was it. He’s doing very well.” Reid’s public stance signals belief in Worthy’s resilience and the importance he holds in Kansas City’s offensive future.

Worthy’s availability will be a key factor for the Chiefs’ offense as they face the Birds. Especially with the team relying on versatile receiving options behind star Patrick Mahomes. For the long season ahead, the Chiefs know every weapon counts. The sudden injury disrupts their depth chart, and they saw the live example in their season opener when Worthy’s exit left the Chiefs scrambling to adjust.