Xavier Worthy, the Kansas City Chiefs’ fastest receiver, suffered a right shoulder injury on the third snap of the team’s season-opening game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The move while injured Action on 13 caused a collision. First, tight end Travis Kelce, who was running a crossing route going the other way when it happened. Moments later, Worthy sulked off to the locker room under a towel pulled over his head. His erratic behavior became alarming to supporters and players alike as his health continued to decline.
Head Coach Andy Reid confirmed that the Chiefs’ training and medical staff would provide updates on Worthy’s status by Saturday evening. MRI on site at the training facility to determine the degree of his injury. It’ll be a tall order for the Chiefs to overcome this loss. They’re doing so already without their No. 1 wideout, Rashee Rice, who is on a six-game suspension.
Her absence was a huge blow, as it required the Chiefs to completely change their game plan. In those first six games, the team’s offense looked lost and confused without his breakneck pace and overall playmaking ability. The Chiefs finished their first three drives with punts, a feat that has only happened to the Chiefs three times since 2018. Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, an MVP candidate, was running for his life in the first quarter. He couldn’t get it done, going 1-for-6 when throwing to a WR for just six yards.
Mahomes battled in the trenches, converting five first downs with his legs, matching a career best. The Chiefs were not able to make them pay. Coach Reid attributed frustration in particular blame for the energy, enthusiasm and focus of the team in that first half.
“I thought they did a good job of taking away some of our quick throws,” – Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs made their own counter adjustments in the second half. They fought like hell to force their way back into the contest—down 12 at one point. Mahomes said that plays like those first few deep shots connecting would’ve flipped the momentum of the game immediately.
“If I can hit some of those throws early, it kind of loosens up the defense… I think it would’ve been a different result,” – Patrick Mahomes.
Unfortunately, what he did on Sunday wasn’t enough to earn a win, with the Chiefs losing 27-21 to the Chargers. Mahomes said it would be crucial to get out to a hot start. He emphasized that while they had a good bit of second half momentum, the only way to achieve success is to work together.
“We kind of got going on offense in the second half, but it takes everybody, and we’ve got to start faster,” – Patrick Mahomes.
In any case, the Chiefs will now be watching for more word about Worthy’s diagnosis and prognosis. His possible absence would further test the depth of the roster’s offensive talent as the defending champions head into their next showdown. Speaking of starts, Kansas City has certainly advanced this season. In order to push past these initial challenges, they need to keep their momentum and enthusiasm.
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