The Kansas City Chiefs got back out on the practice field on Friday as their Week 2 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles approaches. In a meeting that serves as a regular-season rematch of February’s Super Bowl LIX, the major storyline isn’t about the teams themselves.
It’s the health and availability of wide receiver Xavier Worthy. With the final practice of the week in the books, there’s a clearer indication of whether he’ll suit up on Sunday.
Andy Reid Makes Final Indication of Xavier Worthy’s Outlook vs. Eagles
Speaking to the media on Friday afternoon, head coach Andy Reid provided an update on Worthy’s status. The second-year man doesn’t seem likely to play in Week 2 after suffering a dislocated shoulder.
“I’d probably tell you it’s slim, but there’s still a chance,” Reid said.
Reid says “all the stuff’s positive,” but Worthy was limited in practice again.
In the Chiefs‘ opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, Worthy logged all of three snaps before colliding with tight end Travis Kelce. It’s a third-down play Kelce takes blame for given Kansas City’s mesh concept. He allegedly didn’t execute his route correctly, leading to the violent and inadvertent hit on the speedy receiver.
The rest is history, as Worthy left the game early and was quickly ruled out. Worthy did end up returning to practice on Thursday after missing a bit of time. With that said, he was a limited participant in work. Friday also saw him get some reps in, even making a casual one-handed catch.
Worthy (likely) being out this weekend shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, though. He isn’t in the clear despite the Chiefs not currently considering short-term injured reserve or surgery. This portion of his rehab protocol, presumably, is to determine whether his shoulder can maintain functionality and structural integrity. Many have speculated that if and when he does return to the lineup, it’d be with a brace to reinforce stability in that shoulder.
Prior to his Week 1 exit, Worthy toted the ball once for 0 yards. As a rookie last year, he recorded 742 scrimmage yards and 9 total touchdowns.
Reid said rookie receiver Jalen Royals, who’s been nursing knee tendonitis, didn’t practice on Friday. Royals didn’t travel with the team for Week 1 and sat out of that matchup. In Kansas City’s official Week 2 injury report, Worthy was deemed “doubtful” and Royals was ruled out.
Assessing Chiefs’ Other WR Options in Week 2 Super Bowl Rematch
To add insult to Worthy’s injury, the Chiefs are already missing their top target. Fellow wideout Rashee Rice, who broke out early last season before suffering an injury, is serving a suspension. Rice’s six-week absence continues on Sunday, then lasts through Kansas City’s Week 6 game against the Detroit Lions.
The silver lining for Reid’s group is quarterback Patrick Mahomes clearly likes the options he has — even without Rice and probably Worthy and Royals. In the aforementioned Chargers game, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown led the team with 10 receptions for 99 yards. Veterans JuJu Smith-Schuster (5 for 55) and Tyquan Thornton (2 for 41) also pitched in. Kelce’s 2 snags for 47 yards and Mahomes’ only touchdown rounded things out, for the most part.
Thornton may be the truest (read: healthiest) field-stretcher for the Chiefs now. The former second-round pick possesses decent length and the ability to outrun slower defensive backs. Reid is a fan of his early on. Nikko Remigio and Jason Brownlee are more depth or special teams pieces than anything else, but it’s possible they see the field in Week 2.
In their opener, the Eagles surrendered 5.5 yards per play to the Dallas Cowboys. Quarterback Dak Prescott mustered all of 188 yards, although his receivers didn’t do him many favors.
Mahomes, tracking to be down some weapons, will aim for a more profound performance as Sunday’s game approaches.
Andy Reid Drops Final Word on Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy’s Week 2 Outlook