The Chiefs’ season opener took a tough turn early when rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy appeared to injure his shoulder after a collision with teammate Travis Kelce. On the team’s very first drive, Worthy was running a route across the middle when he collided awkwardly with Kelce, who was coming from the opposite direction. Worthy immediately went down, clutching his right shoulder in clear pain. Medical staff attended to him on the field, and shortly after, he was escorted to the locker room for further evaluation.
Initially, there was some hope he might return, but it didn’t take long before the Chiefs officially ruled him out for the remainder of the game. Head coach Andy Reid later confirmed it was a shoulder injury and that Worthy would undergo additional testing, including an MRI, once the team returned to the U.S. While there is no official diagnosis yet, the situation doesn’t look promising, and fans are understandably concerned.
This moment came as a gut punch not just because it happened so early, but because of how important Worthy was expected to be in Kansas City’s offense this year. Drafted in the first round, Worthy came out of Texas with blistering speed and big-play potential. He had impressed during camp and preseason, and the coaching staff had high hopes for his role in stretching defenses vertically and adding another explosive dimension to Mahomes’ arsenal.
The timing is especially difficult given that the Chiefs are already down a key weapon, with Rashee Rice suspended for six games. Jalen Royals, another rookie receiver, was also inactive for this game. That left Mahomes with fewer reliable targets, putting more pressure on veteran Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who thankfully stepped up in a major way. Brown finished the game with 10 catches for 99 yards and was instrumental in keeping the offense afloat.
Still, Worthy’s injury could have serious ripple effects. Without a true burner like him on the field, defenses can collapse more on the short and intermediate zones, potentially limiting the Chiefs’ offensive flexibility. Mahomes has often made the most of what he’s had, but losing a dynamic option like Worthy before he could even get going is a major setback.
What made the moment even more painful for Chiefs fans was that the hit came from a teammate, not an opponent. On film, the play appeared to be a mesh concept or some variation of crossing routes where both Kelce and Worthy were running underneath in opposite directions. Unfortunately, instead of weaving cleanly past each other, they collided—an awkward, full-speed hit that seemed to catch both players off-guard. Kelce didn’t appear to be seriously hurt, but Worthy clearly came out worse for wear.
The Chiefs ultimately pulled out a narrow win against the Chargers, but the victory came at a cost. Now the attention turns to the MRI and whether Worthy will miss extended time. If it’s a dislocated shoulder, sprain, or—worst-case—a fracture or torn ligament, it could sideline him for several weeks or longer. In that case, the team may need to consider additional roster moves or reconfiguring their offensive approach.
It’s worth noting that Andy Reid did not provide a detailed timetable postgame, likely because the team will wait for imaging results before making any final decisions. However, the tone of his comments did not exactly inspire confidence. He emphasized that the team will take a cautious approach and ensure Worthy’s long-term health isn’t jeopardized.
This incident adds to a growing list of concerns for the Chiefs early in the 2025 season. Besides Rice’s suspension and Worthy’s injury, the offensive line looked shaky in moments, and the running game failed to fully get going. Mahomes was under more pressure than expected, and while he still managed a solid outing, it’s clear the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders just yet.
From a broader perspective, the team has enough talent and coaching to weather short-term storms, but injuries to key players like Worthy threaten the ceiling of this team. The Chiefs didn’t just draft him to be a rotational piece—they envisioned him becoming a core part of their offense, potentially even taking on a WR1 or WR2 role by midseason. That vision now hangs in the balance.
As for Worthy, it’s a heartbreaking way to begin an NFL career. He’s a player who came into the league with high expectations, a great attitude, and loads of talent. To be injured in the very first series of his very first regular-season game, and in a non-contact play with a teammate, is cruel football fate. Hopefully, the injury is less severe than it appeared, and fans can see him back on the field soon.
In the meantime, expect Kansas City to lean more heavily on Hollywood Brown, Skyy Moore, and Kadarius Toney—assuming Toney can stay healthy. Tight ends Noah Gray and Kelce will also need to take on more target share, especially with defenses likely to key in on stopping Kelce even more aggressively.
If Worthy is sidelined for an extended period, don’t be surprised if Kansas City explores the trade market or looks to add veteran depth from the free agent pool. Former Steelers wideout Allen Robinson has even taken to social media to offer his services, and while nothing is confirmed, such signings may become necessary if the depth chart continues to thin out.
For now, all eyes are on Worthy’s test results, and Chiefs Kingdom is collectively holding its breath.
Let me know if you want updates once the MRI results are public, or if you’d like this turned into a press release, news article, or fantasy football advisory.
