Andy Reid Announces Bad News for Patrick Mahomes as NFL Doctor Confirms Xavier Worthy’s Injury Status

The Chiefs’ 21–27 loss to the Chargers had no shortage of issues, missed opportunities, stalled drives, and a defense that couldn’t close. But the biggest blow wasn’t the penalties or breakdowns; it was Xavier Worthy’s injury. An NFL doctor warned it may be more serious than it appears.

According to injury analyst Deepak Chona, Xavier Worthy may be facing a shoulder dislocation, which raises serious concern for a player who relies on speed and separation. “If it dislocated, it can tear a labrum and or fracture, so he’d likely be out pending imaging. Possible to return in season,” the doctor said.

Some receivers have gutted through it and returned in as little as one to two weeks, but as Deepak said, “the re-dislocation rate is very high. So he has to make a decision if it’s worth risking as a young guy on a rookie deal.” But there’s someone else who’s even more upset than Worthy himself.

It’s Patrick Mahomes. Worthy was pivotal last year for Kansas’ offense. As a rookie, he hauled in 59 passes for 638 yards and six scores, while also taking 20 carries for 104 yards and three more touchdowns. Those numbers came on 98 targets last season, by the way. Without Worthy, Mahomes’ toolbox loses its burner.

The Chiefs no longer have the pace machine who could stretch the field on early downs or flip momentum with one sprint. Just take a look at his 157-yard, 2-TD eruption in Super Bowl LIX. Strip it down, and Mahomes is missing the one proven speed threat who could change field position in a single snap.

Patrick Mahomes racked up 3,928 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2024. Elite numbers for anyone. But a bit of a letdown coming from Mahomes. That’s just the standard he’s set. But he pulled these numbers when Worthy was making waves last season. Now that he’s gone, these stats just got a lot harder to improve upon. Now, the real question: What will Andy Reid do now?

Who fills in and Andy Reid’s next move

Reid was already counting heavily on Worthy due to the Rashee Rice situation. The WR is suspended for the first six games of the season for his role in a high-speed crash and fleeing the scene, violating the NFL’s conduct policy. So, Worthy was Reid’s most reliable WR on the roster. Losing him makes things a lot more complicated.

Kansas City’s depth chart points to Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith–Schuster as first in line. Beyond them, it’s a patchwork of Tyquan Thornton, rookie Jalen Royals, Nikko Remigio, and slot pieces Reid will try to scheme into daylight.

Tactically, Reid can lean on what works. Maybe more Kelce underneath (matchup heavy), more quick-game to JuJu and Brown, and creative pre-snap motion to manufacture open throws for Mahomes. Official NFL reports already claim that Mahomes will likely look to Brown and JuJu more when Worthy’s sidelined.

But patch-ups don’t last more than a couple of games. If Worthy returns in a couple of weeks, which is possible but risky, it likely won’t pose a major strategic issue for Reid.