He vanished faster than a cold beer at a tailgate. One snap in São Paulo, one shoulder pop, and poof—Xavier Worthy was gone. The Kansas City offense has been searching for a spark since then. Fans muttered, 'Here we go again,' while Patrick Mahomes stared down triple teams. The Chiefs have been needing that jolt, that burst of lightning, to get the scoreboard buzzing again.
Then, on Thursday, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy provided the forecast. He added his voice to the growing optimism surrounding Worthy. He confirmed the buzz surrounding the team’s facility. “Well, he's such a big part of this offense,” Nagy stated. "He's been so instrumental coming back this second year, then all of [a] sudden that happens in Week 1... He's doing really well, running around, and looks good out there."
Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy Seems Close to Returning
This is monumental news for a Chiefs team sitting at 1-2. Worthy’s dislocated shoulder in Brazil was a brutal opening-day setback. His record-breaking speed was sidelined after just three snaps. And Mahomes has lacked his primary deep threat. The offense has struggled to stretch the field consistently. However, Worthy’s full participation in practice on September 24 signals a turning point. The timing of his participation is crucial.
The Baltimore Ravens come to town on September 28. This early-season clash already feels like a playoff elimination game. Both AFC powerhouses are desperate to avoid a 1-3 start. And the Ravens' secondary presents a formidable challenge. Worthy’s presence forces Baltimore to respect the vertical game. This should open up opportunities for Travis Kelce and the running game.
Nagy also highlighted the psychological boost. "He says the vibe of the room is good with Worthy and Rice getting back involved," Chiefs beat reporter Charles Goldman wrote on X. This is crucial for team morale. A receiving corps missing its top weapons can fracture. Instead, the room is getting healthier and more confident.
JuJu Smith-Schuster and Hollywood Brown can now settle into roles that maximize their skills. Tyquan Thornton, who filled in admirably, becomes a dangerous complementary piece. The puzzle is finally starting to look complete.
While the excitement is palpable, a note of caution is necessary. Worthy’s slight frame, at 165 pounds, always brought durability questions. A dislocated shoulder is a tricky injury. It requires smart management from both the player and the coaching staff. The Chiefs cannot afford to rush him back into a physical grinder.
Worthy must pick his spots. He needs to use his speed to make plays but avoid unnecessary collisions. Essentially, he must play like a pinch-runner stealing a base—all calculated risk.
The coaching staff will likely have a pitch count in mind. They did not risk him in Weeks 2 or 3, showing their long-term perspective. This game is important, but the ultimate goal is the playoffs. Therefore, expect a mix of designed touches and situational usage. They will want to get the ball in his hands in space. Meanwhile, Mahomes must be mindful not to lead him into big hits over the middle.
His potential is truly staggering. A fully integrated Worthy changes the AFC landscape. His rookie year showcased his big-play ability, with 59 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns. Imagine that version of Worthy alongside a soon-to-return Rashee Rice. This offense could quickly morph from sputtering to spectacular. And if they can navigate that, the Chiefs’ kingdom might just be ready to reign once more.