Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) runs after making a catch as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) defends during the third quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Xavier Worthy Reflects on Emotional Chiefs Return

Originally posted on Kansas City Chiefs on SI
By Zak Gilbert | Last updated Sep 29, 2025 6:00 AM ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After Xavier Worthy collided with Travis Kelce on the season’s third play Sept. 5 in Brazil, the wide receiver wanted to return on the season’s fourth play.

“I was trying to get back in immediately, but I just couldn’t lift my arm,” Worthy said after Sunday’s 37-20 win over Baltimore.

Kansas City’s patience paid off in a big way on Sunday. The second-year wide receiver was the Chiefs’ No. 1 offensive weapon in his return to action, after sustaining a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum in Week 1.

Denny Medley-Imagn Images

He was the Chiefs’ leading rusher with 38 yards, including the team’s longest carry of the season, a 35-yard burst – arguably the most important play of the game. That jet sweep launched a go-ahead touchdown drive and the Chiefs never trailed after that.

He also caught the longest pass of the day, a 37-yard strike late in the first quarter.

Worthy spoke to reporters after Sunday’s game. To view his comments, watch below.

Q: After taking a couple of hits, how much confidence did you have in your injured shoulder?

WORTHY: “Once I got tackled the first time, I was good. I just needed to test it out. I’m glad it happened on the first play, so I didn’t have to play scared.”

Q: Can you describe what it felt like to get hurt and how concerned were you about your timetable to get back?

WORTHY: “When I got hurt, I was trying to get back in immediately. I just couldn’t lift my arm. When I got back to K.C., I was trying to get back in as fast as possible. The coaches, they know how I am as a player. They probably held me back from myself more than anything. I was trying to get back out there at the same time. I never had any worries about coming back.”

Q: Have you ever had an injury where you missed a lot of time?

WORTHY: “I have had injuries before, but you would never know because I always play through them.”

Q: What has it been like not playing in the games?

WORTHY: “It’s been super tough watching. I have never missed a football game in my life. That was my first time ever sitting on the sidelines watching the game.”

This article first appeared on Kansas City Chiefs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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