Xavier Worthy, the breakout wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, exited the season-opening game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo with a right shoulder injury following a collision with teammate Travis Kelce—just three plays into the new season.
Game-Changing Incident Sparks Concern
On the Chiefs’ opening drive, Worthy ran an underneath crossing route only to collide with veteran tight end Travis Kelce. The impact left Worthy clutching his shoulder and visibly in pain. Trainers quickly attended him, and he was helped off the field and ruled out of the game by the second quarter.ReutersNFL.comNBC SportsArrowhead Pride
Rookie Sensation Sidelines
Worthy, 22, had been expected to carry a pivotal role in Kansas City’s offense after a stellar rookie year—59 receptions, 638 yards, and 9 total touchdowns (6 receiving, 3 rushing)Reuters. His explosive speed, backed by a record-breaking 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL CombineWikipediaWikipedia, made him a dynamic weapon at Texas and in his first professional season.
With Rashee Rice already suspended for the first six games, Worthy’s absence deepens an already thin receiving corpsReutersNFL.comSB Nation.
Chiefs Stumble in Opener
Kansas City struggled without Worthy, committing penalties and missing early opportunities. Despite optimistic efforts, the Chiefs fell 27–21 to the Chargers. Worthy’s injury, combined with missed conversions and shaky execution, hampered their rhythmArrowhead Pride.
Injury Status & Next Steps
After leaving the field, Worthy was scheduled for an MRI to pinpoint the extent of the damageCBSSports.com. The initial “questionable” tag quickly changed as he was ruled out for the rest of the gameNBC SportsReuters. Early reports even suggest a suspected dislocation, with medical staff attempting repositioning before heading to X-raysArrowhead PrideThe Times of India.
Fantasy Fallout & Team Strategy
Fantasy managers face uncertainty as Worthy’s status remains unresolvedSISB Nation. Offensively, with him sidelined, the Chiefs may lean more on Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith‑Schuster, and the running game. Broadcaster and analysts warn of a shaky air attack unless new targets emerge quicklySB NationArrowhead Pride.
Season Outlook and What’s Next
Worthy’s availability for Week 2 (vs. Philadelphia) is now in question. If sidelined, Kansas City may struggle to find consistency through the air. Head coach Andy Reid and the training staff face a crucial week ahead to evaluate and, hopefully, engineer his returnCBSSports.comThe Times of India.
Conclusion
Xavier Worthy’s early-season injury sends ripple effects through the Chiefs organization—disrupting offensive plans and prompting concerns about depth. As diagnostic results emerge, the team and fans await clarity on one of their most explosive playmakers.
Here’s a highlighted video capturing the moment Xavier Worthy suffers a shoulder injury following a collision with teammate Travis Kelce during the Chiefs’ season opener in Brazil. The clip helps illustrate the impact and severity of the incident more clearly.
