UPDATE: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy is facing an uncertain future after sustaining a potential shoulder injury during a tough 27-21 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 6, 2025. Head coach Andy Reid announced that the team will conduct an MRI tomorrow to assess the extent of the injury.
Worthy collided with teammate Travis Kelce during the first drive of the game, resulting in immediate concerns for the 22-year-old receiver. He logged only one rush attempt for zero yards and did not register any catches before being ruled out in the second quarter.
Medical expert Deepak Chona, MD, a renowned sports surgeon, shared his insights on Worthy’s injury. “The video suggests a dislocation,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The best-case scenario points towards non-operative treatment, with an average recovery time of three weeks. However, Chona warns of a high re-injury rate of about 50%.
In the worst-case scenario, Worthy could face surgery, leading to a lengthy rehabilitation process of 4-6 months. This could effectively end his season, even if the Chiefs were to advance to the Super Bowl.
Recovery timelines vary significantly based on the severity of the injury. Mild shoulder separations generally have a recovery window of two weeks, while moderate separations may require 2-4 weeks on the sidelines. Severe separations could take between 6-12 weeks without surgical intervention.
As the Chiefs await further updates, the impact of this injury cannot be overstated. Worthy, on a rookie deal, represents a significant part of the Chiefs’ offensive strategy. Fans and analysts alike will be monitoring this developing situation closely.
Stay tuned for more updates as they become available, especially following tomorrow’s MRI results.
