The Kansas City Chiefs need their playmakers to step up and help them come out of their slump. They've dropped two games in a row, and now they head back home for a must-win matchup with the red-hot Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts are coming off a bye week, and on top of their explosive offense, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo also has that unit ready to play. That's why not having Xavier Worthy out there could spell trouble for Andy Reid and company. According to Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest, that's a realistic possibility right now.
Xavier Worthy's Status For Sunday is up in The Air
"Andy Reid says LG Kingsley Suamataia (concussion) won’t practice Wednesday. WR Xavier Worthy tweaked his ankle, his status this afternoon is uncertain. RB Isiah Pacheco (knee) is expected to practice today," Derrick wrote on X.
Having Pacheco back on the field is positive news for the Chiefs' unimpressive running game. As for Suamataia, he hasn't been even close to Joe Thuney, but it's not like the Chiefs have many options at the position. If he can't go, Mike Caliendo will most likely start in his place.
As for Worthy, this is becoming a worrisome trend. He's brittle and injury-prone, and the Chiefs are quick to get him off the field at the first sign of the slightest discomfort. He's already missed time with a shoulder injury this season, and he also played through an ankle injury shortly after his return.
The second-year wide receiver out of Texas hasn't taken the expected leap this season. Despite some extended opportunities in Rashee Rice's absence, Worthy ranks 41st among 85 eligible wide receivers with a Pro Football Focus grade of 69.
Worthy has made eight appearances (all starts) for Andy Reid's team this season. Even so, he's only hauled in 27 receptions on 45 targets for 281 receiving yards and one touchdown. The team hasn't used him often out of the backfield, presumably because of his injury woes, as he's only logged 7 carries for 73 yards.
He's clearly an explosive athlete and one of the fastest players in the league. However, as the old saying goes, availability is the best of all abilities, and the Chiefs can't afford to have him constantly missing practice with minor ailments. If he can't suit up, Coach Reid should turn to Tyquan Thornton, who, despite the limited opportunities, has proven to be the team's big-play specialist this season.