The Kansas City Chiefs lost one of their key offensive players early in the season.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because it’s become a worrisome trend in recent years.
Fortunately, however, this might not be a season-ending issue.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Xavier Worthy suffered a dislocated shoulder, so he should be back at some point.
Then again, there’s still no word on how much time he will miss, and surgery is still a possibility.
Rapoport adds that he will wear a protective brace on his shoulder:
“My understanding is Xavier Worthy, the electric wide receiver, suffered a dislocated shoulder. It is unclear as of right now how much time he’s going to miss. Still soliciting a second opinion. I’m told the most likely option is for him to be able to brace it up and return this season. However, test pending and surgery is still, as of right now, an option,” Rapoport said.
From @NFLGameDay Morning: #Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy suffered a dislocated shoulder in Brazil and he’s still undergoing tests. But the hope is he can return with a brace; Meanwhile, Christian McCaffrey was a big part of walk-through on Saturday, a sign he’s trending to go. pic.twitter.com/kVRG9wxI0U
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 7, 2025
Worthy sustained the injury early in the loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in a collision with Travis Kelce.
He left the field and didn’t return for the remainder of the game, leaving the Chiefs’ offense without the player who was expected to do most of the heavy lifting in the passing game, at least in the six games they will be without Rashee Rice.
Worthy, who ran the fastest 40-yard dash in NFL Scouting Combine history, showed glimpses of that explosiveness in his first year in the league.
He hauled in 59 receptions for 638 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie, and he embraced a bigger role as the season went by.
Now, in his absence, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid will lean heavily on Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown, with JuJu Smith-Schuster also a strong candidate to step up.
Injuries have stood in the Chiefs’ way too many times in recent years, and hopefully, this won’t be a long-term issue.
NEXT: Analyst Reveals Worrisome Observation About Travis Kelce