The Kansas City Chiefs are set for a high-stakes showdown this Sunday. It’s a Super Bowl rematch from last season against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Birds opened their 2025 campaign with a gritty 24-20 win over Dallas, powered by MVP Jalen Hurts’ dynamic plays both in the air and on the ground. But Philadelphia’s secondary showed some holes, especially coverage inconsistencies that could get exposed by Patrick Mahomes’ explosive arm on Arrowhead turf. For the Chiefs, it’s a chance to make a statement after dropping their opener in Brazil to the Chargers.

Unfortunately, the Chiefs face this rematch under less-than-ideal circumstances. Their receiver room is more patchwork than powerhouse. Rashee Rice sits out ‌six games due to suspension. Jalen Royals is nursing a knee injury. And now comes the worst blow: the Chiefs officially confirmed that wide receiver Xavier Worthy will miss Sunday’s crucial Week 2 rematch against the Eagles. The WR suffered a dislocated shoulder after a collision with Travis Kelce on the Chiefs’ opening drive in last week’s loss to the Chargers. Coach Andy Reid had held on to a “slim chance” that Worthy might play, but the official word now is clear: he’s out.

This injury is a significant blow to Kansas City, as Worthy, known for the fastest 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, is a key deep-threat weapon intended to stretch defenses and maximize Mahomes’ arm talent. His absence severely limits the Chiefs’ offensive options heading into this high-stakes matchup. Against a tough Eagles’ defense, already wary of Hurts and Saquon Barkley, losing this weapon severely limits Kansas City’s options.

The Chiefs’ depth at receiver is already stretched thin. Without Worthy, Mahomes leans heavily on Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Brown led with 10 catches for 99 yards in Week 1, but that dynamic edge Worthy brings disappears. Kelce remains clutch, but his collision with Worthy took both players off the field at different points, and the offense has felt the aftershock. All eyes will be on how the Chiefs adjust their game plan on Sunday to compensate for this key loss.

There was fear that Worthy would have to go for surgery, either this season or the upcoming offseason. But fortunately for Chiefs fans, the injury doesn’t require surgery, and Worthy isn’t headed to injured reserve. The team is optimistic he could return as soon as Week 3, depending on rehab progress. But for now, the takeaway is clear: no Xavier Worthy on the field Sunday. Still, Worthy isn’t giving up. His teammates are singing his praises loud and clear.

JuJu Smith opens up about Xavier Worthy’s toughness

Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster had praise ready for Worthy during a Friday media session. “It says a lot about his character,” JuJu said. “I mean he’s a guy who’s been playing through injuries in the past, and that’s something he’s preached about. So just seeing him out there catching balls, moving around — whether it’s a small injury or a big injury, he’s pushing through to be back.” JuJu’s respect for Worthy’s toughness is obvious and reflects the hallmarks of a team that won’t quit easily.

Despite the healing shoulder and the pain, Xavier Worthy was at practice on Sept. 11 & 12 catching balls, including a sharp, one-handed grab during drills. Yes, he was wearing extra padding and a brace, but he showed flashes of speedy recovery. With Worthy out, JuJu shoulders more responsibility.

JuJu’s role as a possession receiver from the slot becomes even more critical. He hasn’t cracked 1,000 yards since his 2018 peak with the Steelers, but managed 933 yards with the Chiefs in 2022. Expect Mahomes to rely on JuJu in clutch moments to keep drives alive and chip away at the Eagles’ defense.

The Chiefs’ offense will look different without Worthy’s game-breaking speed, but JuJu’s message and presence ensure that the team still fight. The showdown with the Eagles this Sunday will test their adaptability, Xavier Worthy or not.