Chiefs Star Still Sidelined With Illness
By Joe Summers
Chiefs rookie WR Xavier Worthy, who turned heads early at training camp with a spectacular deep TD catch from Patrick Mahomes, will miss his second straight day of practice due to illness.
The former Texas Longhorns star was absent on Monday and while the team doesn't seem overly concerned with his absences, Worthy has had limited time actually on the field to grow and develop so far this summer.
After already missing minicamp due to a hamstring injury and jamming his hand in unofficial practice last week, the Chiefs' first-round pick is compiling a long list of ailments through not much action.
Chiefs News: WR Xavier Worthy Still Missing Practice With Illness
For the second day in a row, Xavier Worthy looks to be out of practice. The Chiefs said he had an illness on Monday.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 23, 2024
When he's been able to participate, reports indicate Worthy has outshined his teammates and been perhaps the best receiver on the field. A simple illness shouldn't concern anyone, though the best version of this Chiefs offense involves as much development for Worthy as possible.
That development is obviously strained if he can't practice, so getting him healthy and back on the field quickly is a major priority. With the uncertainty around Rashee Rice's potential suspension, Worthy will be a critical part of the team's plans.
Worthy never dealt with injuries in college and was a consistent performer, notching 197 catches for 2,755 yards and 26 TDs over his three-year career. Betting odds forecast a huge year from the rookie, though it'll be more difficult to get off to a hot start if he's limited in practices.
Along with Justin Reid's surprise injury, the Chiefs have multiple valuable players missing time at the start of camp. As the march toward a potential three-peat truly begins, Kansas City needs its guys at full strength or risk falling behind.
More Kansas City Chiefs News:
feed