Chiefs Rookie Deals With Injury Scare in First Camp Practice
By Joe Summers
Chiefs rookie WR Xavier Worthy didn't make it through one practice without an injury scare, though he seems to be okay and returned to the field.
Worthy, who missed mandatory minicamp with a hamstring issue, missed a few plays due to an injured hand. However, he came back to make the play of the day, seemingly putting concerns to rest.
While Worthy is expected to be a full participant throughout camp, it's still worrisome that he's already dealt with a pair of ailments this summer. His small frame led some scouts to peg him as an injury risk, a label Worthy has struggled to shed in his first few months as a Chief.
Chiefs Rookie WR Xavier Worthy Injures Hand but Returns to Practice
First practice is winding down. Xavier Worthy missed a few plays when trainers tended to an injured hand. But he returned to make a diving catch on a deep fade from Ian Book
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) July 17, 2024
Adam Teicher of ESPN noted that Worthy suffered the injury though still made an impressive diving catch. Worthy's development is one of the most important storylines throughout training camp, so keeping him on the field as much as possible is obviously a priority.
Perhaps the only thing that could slow Kansas City's offense down is availability. Worthy never dealt with injuries in his three-year Texas career, but early returns are discouraging nonetheless.
The speedster hasn't shied away from his need to add bulk, especially if he'll be susceptible to big hits from NFL-caliber defenders. Worthy told local media after practice that it was "just a finger jam" and he'd be fine, noting he took time to study the playbook and develop his mental acumen while on the sidelines.
#Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy, who debuted at training camp today after his hamstring injury earlier this offseason:
— Jordan Foote (@footenoted) July 17, 2024
"Feeling good. Working my way back in today, it felt good just to be back out here with the guys and just being able to play football again."
Andy Reid's training camps are notoriously grueling and demanding, ensuring the Chiefs are in the best possible shape once the season officially starts.
Worthy is a massive part of the team's plans and he pointed out to reporters that he never missed a game in college with injury. Kansas City better hope his good health maintains itself, especially considering the outsized expectations for him across the national landscape.
Here's hoping this is the last injury Worthy deals with and he'll be good to go over the next several weeks.
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