The Kansas City Chiefs' entire offensive plan was affected when wide receiver Xavier Worthy went down with a shoulder injury during the first drive of Week 1. Worthy was expected to be the Chiefs' leading target with Rashee Rice serving a suspension, but his absence quickly shifted the focus to Hollywood Brown. As a result, the Chiefs' offense took a little longer to find its footing.
That said, Kansas City also entered week 1 with another injury at the wide receiver position. Rookie Jalen Royals was sidelined with knee tendonitis. After missing Week 1, Chiefs Kingdom was hopeful Royals could return in Week 2.
However, things don't seem to be trending in that direction. The rookie missed Kansas City's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Then, he was sidelined again on Thursday, according to Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star.
Chiefs Rookie WR Jalen Royals Trending Towards Not Playing in Week 2
Despite the fact that Worthy returned to practice on Thursday, this is not the news Chiefs Kingdom wants to hear about Royals. Following an impressive training camp and preseason, fans were excited to see what the rookie could do. The 22-year-old showed a great mix of speed and reliable hands when targeted in practice and preseason games.
With Rice's suspension, Chiefs Kingdom figured that Royals could step in for a number of plays and earn on the job. Worthy was forced to take on a bigger role last season earlier than expected, and it eventually worked out. Though the role wouldn't have been as intense for Royals, it would have certainly helped bring him along faster.
Be that as it may, Royals missing two games hurts his development. With the rookie likely out, the Chiefs need Worthy to play. If he doesn't, Kansas City will be forced to rely on depth pieces like Jason Brownlee and Nikko Remigio.
While the Chiefs liked what they saw from each receiver in the preseason, they weren't planning on either of them getting lots of playing time this season. Moreover, this week, the Chiefs can't afford to use the bottom of their depth, as they face the Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl rematch.
If Kansas City fails to come out victorious because of a poor offensive performance, like they had in the Super Bowl, Chiefs Kingdom will be upset. Therefore, no matter what receivers are out on the field, they must bring their A game.