Chiefs Receiver Xavier Worthy Out for Sunday Night Game vs. Giants

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy will miss his second straight week with a shoulder injury. The Chiefs, already dealing with an 0-2 start, really could’ve used him right now.

Worthy hurt his shoulder during the Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He practiced this week in a shoulder brace, but his participation was pretty limited.

Even with a promising week on the field, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Worthy didn’t travel with the team for their game against the New York Giants. That decision stings for Kansas City, who are already thin at receiver.

Impact of Worthy’s Absence on the Chiefs’ Offense

Xavier Worthy missing time is a real blow to the Chiefs’ offense. Last season, he was basically their best pass catcher outside of Travis Kelce, hauling in 59 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns.

This year, the Chiefs needed him even more, especially early on. Rashee Rice, another top receiver, is suspended for six games, so the pressure was on Worthy to step up.

Worthy’s Performance Last Season

Worthy really broke out last season. He made clutch catches and showed off serious speed, making him a tough matchup for defenses.

With Rice out, Worthy’s presence felt essential. Losing him now just makes things harder for Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the offense.

Coach Andy Reid’s Comments

Earlier in the week, Andy Reid sounded like he might let Worthy play, saying they’d “see how it goes” after practice. But after more evaluation, he confirmed Worthy would stay home.

Reid mentioned Worthy had a good week and, in his words, “runs fast.” Still, they decided it was better to let him heal up before risking anything.

Practice Participation

Worthy got out there for three practices this week, though he was clearly limited and wearing that brace. At first, there was some hope he might suit up, but it just wasn’t worth the risk.

The Chiefs’ medical staff, including head trainer Rick Burkholder, probably had a big say in that call. Protecting Worthy’s long-term health just made sense.

Potential Return of Jalen Royals

There’s at least a bit of good news. Fourth-round rookie Jalen Royals, who’d been sidelined with knee tendinitis, practiced all week and is listed as questionable for the Giants game.

If Royals can go, he might give the offense a little spark. The Chiefs need all the help they can get right now.

Royals’ Potential Impact

Jalen Royals is still a rookie, but he’s flashed some real potential. His return could help fill the gap left by Worthy and Rice, even if he’s not quite at their level yet.

He got through practice this week, so maybe he’s ready. The Chiefs could really use someone to step up and help get that first win. Royals could be that guy—at least, that’s the hope.

Conclusion

The Kansas City Chiefs face a tough matchup against the New York Giants without star receiver Xavier Worthy. Losing him, plus the suspension of Rashee Rice, really puts the offense in a bind.

Maybe Jalen Royals returns, and that could help a bit. Still, the Chiefs have to dig deep and lean on whoever’s left to get through these early bumps in the road.

Curious about more on this? Check out the full story at The New York Times.