New Details Emerge on Xavier Worthy's Practice Injury Scare
By Joe Summers
All eyes are on Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy entering the second day of unofficial practice at the team's training camp. His health is a priority for the coaching staff and he's already dealt with a pair of ailments that have fans concerned.
New details emerged about Worthy's first day, during which he jammed his finger attempting a catch and had to miss a few plays. The first-round receiver was already admittedly not 100% after the hamstring injury he suffered earlier this summer, so to see him deal with a second issue so quickly was discouraging.
Nate Taylor of The Athletic set the scene for Worthy's practice, noting both positives and negatives. While the jammed finger isn't ideal, Taylor notes that Worthy did not aggravate his hamstring, representing a big win for his overall health.
New Details Emerge on Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy's Injury Concern
New story. Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy didn’t vomit, unlike Rashee Rice & Leo Chenal before him.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) July 18, 2024
Instead he had a positive 1st day of camp.
The best part for Worthy was that he finished Wednesday’s work without aggravating his left hamstring. https://t.co/7l66drq1AW
"(Patrick) Mahomes’ first pass in the opening seven-on-seven period in the middle of the field was a target for Worthy, who ran a simple slant route," writes Taylor. "Worthy dropped the ball and left the field for a few minutes because the pass jammed his left pinky. A trainer taped the little finger to his ring finger."
You obviously don't want to see Worthy drop a pass, especially one that results in an injury. Nonetheless, the former Texas star persevered.
"Once he returned to the field, Worthy didn’t drop another pass," Taylor continues. "His first highlight came when he ran a deep route near the sideline against tight coverage from third-year cornerback Nazeeh Johnson. Quarterback Ian Book's pass was put in a proper location, allowing Worthy to make a diving catch."
That wasn't the only great play Worthy made. He later created separation against Johnson once again before making a nice adjustment to a low Mahomes pass, catching the ball near his feet and turning upfield.
Worthy's speed and dynamic ability in space make him an ideal fit for Andy Reid's offense. Provided he can stay healthy, the sky is the limit. Expectations are sky-high for the rookie, making these practice moments even more important.
He understands his health is crucial, telling local media after practice that the injury was frustrating given he never missed a game in college. Hopefully, that good health preserves itself throughout the season. If it does, the Chiefs' offense should downright terrify the rest of the NFL.
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