World champions Kansas City Chiefs opened their 2025 NFL campaign on the wrong foot, suffering a 27-21 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil. But beyond the final scoreline, the bigger concern for Chiefs Kingdom came in the form of an early injury to promising wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
Xavier Worthy injury adds to Chiefs’ struggles
In just the opening minutes of the first quarter, Worthy collided with veteran tight end Travis Kelce on a crossing route. The young wideout immediately left the field clutching his shoulder and did not return. The team quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the contest, leaving fans anxious about the severity of the injury.
As of Saturday, no official update has been provided on Xavier Worthy’s condition. While the hope remains that he avoids a long-term setback, the Chiefs may be forced to explore contingency plans in case their second-year receiver is sidelined for an extended period.
Kendrick Bourne emerges as a replacement option
Among the possible reinforcements, one name stands out—Kendrick Bourne. The 30-year-old wideout is currently a free agent after being released by the New England Patriots. Despite recent visits with other teams, Bourne remains unsigned, making him an attractive option for Kansas City should they need an immediate plug-in.
Bourne’s recent seasons have been mixed. In 2024, he appeared in 12 games for New England, tallying 28 receptions for 305 yards and one touchdown. A year earlier, he put up stronger numbers—37 catches for 406 yards and four scores across just eight games.
Over the course of his career, Kendrick Bourne has built solid experience, playing in 111 games and recording 292 receptions for 3,714 yards and 22 touchdowns. While his production has not always been consistent, pairing him with Patrick Mahomes could rejuvenate his career and give the Chiefs a reliable option in Xavier Worthy’s absence.
Chiefs face tough questions moving forward
Head coach Andy Reid will be weighing his options carefully in the coming days. The Chiefs’ offense already struggled to find rhythm against the Chargers, with red-zone inefficiency and limited success in the run game. Losing Worthy, one of their most dynamic young playmakers, only compounds the challenge.
For now, the Chiefs’ faithful wait on medical updates. If the prognosis turns unfavorable, Kendrick Bourne could soon find himself in Kansas City, stepping into the spotlight as Xavier Worthy’s stand-in on one of the NFL’s biggest stages.