It’s week 5 of the season. Patrick Mahomes and his team are preparing for the Jaguars. Everyone was hoping for their key receiver, Xavier Worthy, to make a comeback in the game. He dislocated his shoulder in a collision with Travis Kelce during the season opener and missed the next two games. But they received a shock.

During the flight to Jacksonville, his ankle swelled, forcing Kansas City to list him as questionable for the game because of a shoulder/ankle injury. That starts a fresh set of problems for the AFC West franchise, which is already dealing with issues in scoring. In the week 4 game against the Ravens, he recorded 5 receptions for 83 yards.

It is a bigger blow as he was not on their injury list this week and fully practised in all sessions. So, it’s clear if his previous injury flared up again or if he is dealing with new issues. But it will affect them severely.

The Chiefs are dealing with absences in their WR department as Rashee Rice is already undergoing a 6-game suspension. Patrick Mahomes hoped to find a connection with Worthy like last year, but the injuries have prevented them from doing so. 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 before the game. He even warned his locker room a few days back on The Rich Eisen Show, while issuing a challenge to Travis Hunter as well. Now, he might not back up his claims or help his team. So, the Chiefs are undergoing a crisis while battling a 2-2 win-loss record.

Patrick Mahomes doubted again

Ahead of the season, the Showtime was under immense pressure as the uncertainties around the roster continued. Rumors about Travis Kelce’s retirement flew strong before he came back. But the team hasn’t performed to the best of their abilities. It started with the QB.

“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 for their rushing game. He then called out the QB and added, “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.”

He then explained how Isiah Pacheco‘s longest gain in all 4 games in September was 12 yards. Overall, he logged 32 carries for 127 yards but failed to score. Just like him, even Kareem Hunt failed to impress. With 36 rushes in 115 yards and 1 TD, he has helped the team in bits and pieces.

However, the bigger worry is the double role that Patrick Mahomes is playing for them. He is the team’s leading rusher after September. In 4 games, he has 22 carries for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. That puts pressure on the Grim Reaper as well. It’s one of the reasons he hasn’t been able to focus on his passing game alone.

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 locker room. They have crossed the 30-point mark in only 1 game. However, with the return of key players like Rashee Rice around the corner, they are trying to win games and gain some momentum.

Chiefs Kingdom can only hope they make it to the playoffs, as they lost two games to start the season. Now, the only way forward is to win!