Chiefs Coach Scared About Xavier Worthy's Health After Hollywood Brown Injury

By Joe Summers | Aug 14, 2024

Jul 26, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (5) and wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) walk down the hill from the locker room to the fields during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports / Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Worthy seems poised for a dynamic rookie season after the Chiefs traded up for him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, special teams coordinator Dave Toub is already adjusting the team's plans following the unfortunate shoulder injury that WR Hollywood Brown sustained during Kansas City's first preseason game.

After spending the summer comparing Worthy's punt return ability to Tyreek Hill's, Toub now admits he's adjusting expectations to protect the former Texas star's health.

Without committing to a decision, media availability after Wednesday's practice suggests the organization intends to protect its star rookie.

Dave Toub Indicates Xavier Worthy Won't Play on Special Teams

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub indicated that they could be backing off Xavier Worthy as a punt returner stemming from the injury to Hollywood Brown.

Practice has shown the choice for next up will be Mecole Hardman. pic.twitter.com/3o2TFwr96Y
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) August 14, 2024

Toub's comments have a few implications. First, Mecole Hardman seems to have officially made the team. Nikko Remigio fumbled a punt during Saturday's preseason game and despite Hardman's kickoff mistake, the team trusts the veteran.

The fear surrounding Worthy's health also indicates the organization is concerned about Brown long-term. If this were truly only a Week 1 injury, as has been surmised, changing Worthy's role wouldn't be necessary.

Finally, Toub is at least partially worried about Worthy's frame. He's one of the smallest receivers in the league. Worthy never missed a game in college, but Toub wouldn't make these comments unless he had at least some genuine concern.

It's an interesting situation for Kansas City, wisely prioritizing the health of the first-round draft pick. Worthy will play a major role for the Chiefs seemingly immediately, and now his responsibilities grow with Brown's uncertain return timeline.

As a bonus, Worthy's absence on special teams also theoretically damages the return game. If he's the team's best returner, Kansas City is purposefully hurting itself by keeping him off the field in those situations. It's for the best long-term, but a situation to monitor nonetheless.

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