The Kansas City Chiefs’ highly anticipated 2025 season opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil, turned into a double setback. Not only did the reigning AFC champions fall to the Los Angeles Chargers, but they also lost promising wide receiver Xavier Worthy to an injury that could keep him out of action for multiple weeks.
Collision leads to early exit
Worthy’s injury occurred during the first half when he collided violently with veteran tight end Travis Kelce. The rookie immediately received on-field medical attention before being escorted to the locker room. He did not return for the remainder of the game, leaving the Chiefs short-handed in a divisional showdown.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport later reported that initial medical evaluations confirmed a dislocated shoulder. The setback raises concerns for Kansas City, which had envisioned Xavier Worthy as a key weapon in Patrick Mahomes’ passing attack this season.
Medical outlook and recovery timeline
Sports medicine specialist Dr. Jesse Morse shared his professional assessment on social media, breaking down potential recovery scenarios depending on the severity of the injury:
“Xavier Worthy - dislocated shoulder confirmed
Minimum: 3 games missed (if mild)
Moderate: 4-6 games missed
Severe: Season-ending (surgery)
He will likely eventually require surgery, it just depends how ‘stable’ they can get him with physical therapy and bracing. He’s at very high risk for redislocation and his game will be severely restricted until this is properly corrected.”
For now, Worthy is expected to wear a sling to protect his shoulder as he begins rehabilitation. The Chiefs have not officially announced a timeline, but early indications suggest he will be sidelined for at least several games.
High expectations derailed
Kansas City had entered the season with high hopes for Worthy, who turned heads at the NFL Combine by recording the fastest 40-yard dash time in history. His blistering speed and ability to stretch defenses made him a highly anticipated addition to Patrick Mahomes’ arsenal.
Although his rookie year yielded modest numbers — 59 receptions for 638 yards and six touchdowns — coaches and fans believed 2025 could mark his breakout campaign. Now, the injury threatens to derail that momentum at the very start of the season.
Chiefs face offensive adjustments
With Xavier Worthy sidelined, Mahomes will need to rely even more on Kelce and fellow receivers to carry the passing game. The loss is particularly untimely, as the Chiefs’ offense is still searching for rhythm following offseason changes.
Kansas City will now have to navigate the early stretch of the season without one of its most dynamic young talents. While Worthy’s long-term prognosis remains uncertain, his immediate absence poses a significant challenge for the reigning AFC champions as they aim to return to the Super Bowl stage.