They say "no news is good news," at least sometimes, and Kansas City Chiefs fans can only hope that applies to the progress of wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
Worthy, a second-year receiver who was the Chiefs' first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, suffered a shoulder injury during an accidental collision with tight end Travis Kelce within the first few plays to start the regular season. Worthy went to the locker room in the first quarter against the L.A. Chargers in Week 1 and was designated out for the rest of the game.
The Chiefs were forced to wait a bit longer than usual to get Worthy an MRI for closer inspection, given the long flight back from Sao Paulo, Brazil. However, even after further tests were done, a timeline for his return has remained uncertain with only vague statements given by head coach Andy Reid in press updates.
Andy Reid's latest update on Xavier Worthy was a heartening one on Wednesday.
To date, the Chiefs have made it clear that Worthy could have surgery to repair the shoulder injury, but that it's also possible he returns this year and plays with a supportive brace. At the very least, it seemed like Worthy wouldn't have to miss the full season and that the Chiefs could look forward to hosting an offense—at some point—with Rashee Rice, back from suspension in Week 7, and Worthy in the fold.
While Rice will still miss five more games, the latest news on Worthy—or lack of it—is actually another positive development for the Chiefs.
On Wednesday, head coach Andy Reid addressed the media and gave a brief injury update, stating that Worthy and fellow receiver Jalen Royals were the only players to miss practice. "Both are doing better. They're working on it and making progress," said Reid.
When asked directly about the possibility of undergoing surgery to repair it, Reid said, "No, not right now." A follow-up question about injured reserve brought a further negative response, with Reid adding that he's "just rehabbing."
This is all very good news for the Chiefs without actually any statements of positive news. Reading between the lines, however, makes it clear that the Chiefs believe they are getting Worthy back sooner than later, and that he could be back within a few games.
If Worthy were going to miss four games due to injury, he would be occupying a valuable roster spot, and the Chiefs would be inclined to place him on IR. Instead, they anticipate a return sooner than later, which brings upcoming games against the Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions in view—perhaps even something as soon as Week 3 against the New York Giants.
Worthy profiled as a primary target coming into the season with Rice on the sidelines for the first six weeks. Patrick Mahomes learned to rely heavily on him down the stretch, and he led all receivers in the postseason in catches, yards, and touchdowns.
Without both of their top receivers, the Chiefs had a difficult time keeping pace with Justin Herbert and the Chargers in Week 1 and it cost them a season-opening win in primetime. Another game without them against the Philadelphia Eagles will prove even more difficult in Week 2, but the good news is that the cavalry is coming at some point. Or at least that's what the Chiefs clearly believe. Fans can only hope Reid is right.