One of the byproducts of the Kansas City Chiefs' level of sustained success over the last several seasons is that a single loss doesn't bring a "sky is falling" perspective. That's why the fan base's primary concern coming out of Week 1 wasn't the disappointing defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers. Instead, it was the status of wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
During the season-opening game in Brazil, the Chiefs watched Worthy leave the game on the first series, when Worthy collided with tight end Travis Kelce due to a shoulder injury. It was an odd display that felt eerily similar to the awkward way Patrick Mahomeso fell on wideout Rashee Rice last year in Week 4, which caused Rice to miss the rest of the season.
Worthy was originally designated as questionable to return after leaving for the locker room. From there, he was downgraded to out, and head coach Andy Reid said after the game that an MRI would be performed shortly after they arrived back from their international travels.
Fears have run rampant given the wide range of possibilities, and it appears that range is still very much in play.
A second opinion is coming, but the range of options here are still uncomfortable for the Chiefs and Xavier Worthy.
Per NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, the verdict is an official dislocated shoulder, and the result is yet unknown in terms of an official timetable. However, none of the options sound good.
It is unclear as of right now how much time [Worthy] is going to miss. Still soliciting a second opinion. I am told the most likely option is for him to be able to brace it up and return this season. However, tests are pending, and surgery is still, as of right now, an option."
While nothing is yet official, Rapoport's update makes it clear that the Chiefs aren't going to see Worthy suit up in the next few games—at least.
That's a major concern for the Chiefs at this point, given that Rice isn't set to return until Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Between now and then, the Chiefs could be missing their top two receivers for games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, and more.
Without Worthy, the Chiefs are likely to lean on speedster Tyquan Thornton even more than they already have. Hollywood Brown becomes a volume target without Rice in the fold. JuJu Smith-Schuster is a limited but trusted target as well.
One potential bit of help on the horizon is rookie Jalen Royals' potential return, but he's been sitting out the start of the season due to knee tendinitis. He was a scratch for Week 1 and his status for Week 2 is yet unknown.
No matter who can help, the loss of Worthy is a major one for the Chiefs. He broke through as the team's leading receiver down the stretch last season and came alive in the postseason, pointing forward to a breakout campaign in 2025. Worthy was the team's first-round choice last year and looked the part as an electric downfield threat the Chiefs had been missing since trading Tyreek Hill.
Further updates will clarify the picture, but for now, the worst fears have been confirmed for the Chiefs. Even if he can return, it will come with support and that brings up a host of new questions as to how the Chiefs want to approach not only this season but the long-term outlook for Worthy.