Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Chiefs Star's Injury Status Changes on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 4:08 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs have started the season with an underwhelming 2-3 record after making it to Super Bowl LIX last season. One of the troubles facing quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid has been the lack of consistency in the wide receiver group.

With Rashee Rice suspended for the first six games of the season, speedster Xavier Worthy picked up a shoulder injury in Week 1 after an accidental collision with tight end Travis Kelce. He also played through an ankle injury in Monday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Worthy has only played two full games, and although Tyquan Thornton and Hollywood Brown (combined 39 catches and four touchdowns this season) have stepped up, Mahomes has lacked the consistent threats that Worthy and Rice provide.

Concern arose when Worthy missed Thursday's practice ahead of a Week 6 game against the 4-1 Detroit Lions, but Reid was able to announce better news on Friday in Kansas City.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy in an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Xavier Worthy Injury Update After Missed Practice

In a brief update, Reid shared that Worthy "did everything" at Friday's practice. The 67-year-old coach confirmed Worthy would be available without limitations for the game against the Lions at Arrowhead Stadium, barring any unforeseen changes.

With Worthy cleared, the entire Kansas City injury report was clean heading into Sunday's game.

Practice look-in: Xavier Worthy back to practice on Friday pic.twitter.com/Cg1ed7yYH1
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) October 10, 2025

Worthy Will Be An X-Factor in the Chiefs-Lions Game

Even if he is not 100 percent healthy, the presence of Worthy will give Detroit more to worry about in their defensive gameplan. The Lions will be short-handed in the secondary, facing the possibility of having four starters out with injury.

Reid has always used Worthy's 4.21 speed in multiple ways to create big plays. On the season, he has turned 15 touches into 172 yards from scrimmage.

When he returned from his shoulder injury against the Baltimore Ravens, Worthy led the Chiefs in rushing yards (38), receiving yards (83) and targets (8). Highlights included a 35-yard run and a 38-yard catch.

“He’s just so explosive,” Mahomes said of the 2024 first-round draft pick. “When he gets the football in his hands, defenses have to adjust. He gets so much attention that other guys get open.”

Quick thoughts on Xavier Worthy vs the Ravens:

Huge to get him back and the impact was immediate. Two explosive plays (a few more left on the table), touches in the flow of the offense, & opening up the route tree a bit. pic.twitter.com/wGd0NTQFWR
— Matt Lane (@Matty_KCSN) September 29, 2025

Amid the uncertainty surrounding the Chiefs' playmakers, Mahomes has still managed an impressive start to the season. He has thrown for 1,257 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions. He is also Kansas City's leading rusher with 190 yards and three scores.

With Worthy back healthy, he could be in line for a breakout game against the banged-up Lions defense. The Chiefs-Lions game kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday night on NBC and Peacock.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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