Wide receiver Xavier Worthy had a more-than-decent outing in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 37-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens. After sitting out two games with a shoulder injury he suffered in Week 1, Worthy accounted for 5 receptions and 83 yards. He looked all set to build on the momentum against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it looks like quarterback Patrick Mahomes will have to manage without his star WR. Again.

Worthy’s ankle reportedly swelled up on the flight to Jacksonville, forcing the Chiefs to list him as questionable for the game, citing shoulder and ankle injuries. Everything now depends on how Worthy feels on Monday.

What makes it even more frustrating for Mahomes and Co. is that the WR was not on their injury list this week and practised fully in all sessions. That also raises questions as to when Worthy came down with the ankle problem. Besides Worthy, cornerback Kristian Fulton (also ankle) and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (shoulder) have also been listed as questionable.

However, Worthy’s relapse is by far the biggest blow as the Chiefs are already stretched a bit thin in the wideout department.

Rashee Rice is still serving his suspension and will not be back until the Chiefs’ Week 7 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Of course, WR Tyquan Thornton has seen a bit of a resurgence, logging 10 receptions for 182 yards. But needless to say, Patrick Mahomes was hoping to capitalize on Worthy’s pace like last year.

In 2024, the Longhorns alumnus logged 59 receptions for 638 yards and 6 touchdowns. Even in the rushing game, he recorded 20 rushes for 104 yards and 3 scores.

The receiver was in a good state of mind heading into the Jaguars game, too. He even went on to issue a challenge to counterpart Travis Hunter on The Rich Eisen Show. Now, he might not back up his claims or help his team.

And then, there is the added burden that Mahomes seems to be carrying.

Patrick Mahomes needs support

Patrick Mahomes has been taking a different approach to his game this year. And the fear is, it may not be sustainable.

“It’s not a great sign that quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the team’s leading rusher, despite the fact that Isiah Pacheco was active throughout September,” Bleacher Report analyst Brad Gagnon noted. “Mahomes simply isn’t the quarterback he used to be, and he certainly doesn’t have the support he once had. The Chiefs will eventually need more from their backs to help Mahomes out.”

Isiah Pacheco‘s longest gain over all 4 games in September is 12 yards. Overall, he logged 32 carries for 127 yards. Just like him, even Kareem Hunt has failed to impress. With 36 rushes for 115 yards and 1 TD, he has helped the team in bits and pieces. Meanwhile, in 4 games, Mahomes has had 22 carries for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns.

This added responsibility seems to be taking a toll on the QB.

He is 18th among the current QBs in passing yards (939). Overall, he has completed 87 of 142 passes (61.3%) for 7 scores and 1 pick. This is affecting the offense as a whole. They have crossed the 30-point mark in only 1 game. That’s as good a sign as any that the Chiefs’ backfield needs to step up big time.

Meanwhile, if you plan on diving deeper into Mahomes’ rushing numbers, you may check out this video.