Chiefs’ Opening Game Setback: Xavier Worthy’s Injury Casts Shadow on New Season
In a disappointing start to their 2025 campaign, the Kansas City Chiefs lost wide receiver Xavier Worthy to a shoulder injury just three plays into their season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil. The injury occurred through an unfortunate collision with teammate Travis Kelce as both players were running short routes on a critical third down play. The impact of Kelce’s larger frame against Worthy’s shoulder left the young receiver in visible pain on the turf. Sideline cameras captured Worthy wincing in discomfort with his right shoulder noticeably drooping while trainers attended to him, leading to speculation about a possible dislocation. The sight of Worthy later walking off the field with a towel draped over his head spoke volumes about his disappointment, as he was officially ruled out for the remainder of the game.
The timing of Worthy’s injury couldn’t have been worse for the Chiefs, who were already navigating offensive challenges with Rashee Rice serving a six-game suspension to start the season. Worthy, entering his second year with the team, had emerged as a potential top target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes following a solid rookie season. His absence was immediately felt as the Chiefs struggled to move the ball effectively in the first half, falling behind 10-0 to the Chargers before managing to add six points from two Harrison Butker field goals before halftime. The team and their fans are now anxiously hoping for Worthy’s quick recovery before next week’s Super Bowl LIX rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles at Arrowhead Stadium.
Worthy’s journey with the Chiefs began when he was selected as the 28th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Texas. His rookie campaign showed tremendous promise as he accumulated 59 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns across 17 regular-season games. What made his absence even more significant was his elevated performance during the previous postseason, where he had become a crucial offensive weapon. During those playoff games, Worthy had led the team with 287 yards on 19 receptions over three games, including three touchdowns—one of which came during the Chiefs’ 40-22 Super Bowl loss to the Eagles.
The collision between Worthy and Kelce highlights one of football’s cruel ironies—sometimes a team’s biggest threats can inadvertently become hazards to each other in the tight confines of offensive play designs. For Worthy, who had been positioning himself as a rising star in the Chiefs’ offensive scheme, the injury represents not just physical pain but the emotional sting of being sidelined just as the new season was beginning. The immediate concern on the sidelines was palpable as medical staff assessed the injury, while coaches had to quickly recalibrate their offensive strategy without one of their key playmakers.
The game in São Paulo presented its own unique backdrop to this unfortunate event. As the NFL continues its international expansion, the Chiefs-Chargers matchup in Brazil was meant to showcase American football to a growing global audience. Instead, it became partially defined by this early injury to a promising young talent. Adding to the unusual circumstances, some Chargers fans expressed frustration at seeing the Chiefs’ logo in the end zone during what was designated as a Chargers home game, creating an additional layer of controversy to the international contest.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs face significant challenges in the coming weeks as they navigate their offensive approach without Worthy. His absence, combined with Rice’s suspension, places additional pressure on Mahomes and veteran targets like Kelce to maintain the team’s offensive production. The upcoming game against the Eagles takes on even greater significance now, not just as a Super Bowl rematch but as a test of the Chiefs’ depth and adaptability in the face of adversity. For Worthy personally, the focus shifts to rehabilitation and recovery, with both player and team hoping this early-season setback proves to be a minor chapter in what still promises to be a bright NFL career.
