Chiefs get lucky with Xavier Worthy's injury, but it won't solve all their problems

Xavier Worthy's status is just one piece of the Chiefs' offensive woes

While this is a good sign for Worthy to return soon — maybe as soon as Week 2 for the Super Bowl LIX rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles — the Chiefs offense still has plenty of concerns. For starters, Worthy was set to have a breakout year, as the speedy wideout would be a deep threat as the team's WR No. 2 alongside their dynamic No. 1 wide receiver Rashee Rice. The Chiefs are going to have to wait to see that duo in action, though. 

Rice is still serving a six-game suspension for his involvement in a multi-car crash from last year. Rice is also coming off an LCL injury, which sidelined him for all but four games last season. His absence did allow Worthy to prove himself as more than a gadget player and a viable target who recorded 59 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns last season. 

The Chiefs were hoping that Worthy could take the next step in his development alongside Rice, but their aspirations to be an explosive playmaking offense will have to be put on hold. Worthy flashed his ability to be a part of that solution in a losing effort in last year's Super Bowl when he caught a 50-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes. However, as soon as Worthy went down in Week 1, the offense reverted to its 2024 self, relying on Mahomes to make plays out of nothing and hitting shorter passes to grind their way to the red zone.

Without having to worry about Rice, defenses can still focus on eliminating Worthy. That may open up Kelce to make a play, but behind the two of them are unproven or aging playmakers who don't exactly inspire fear. Ultimately, how comfortable Mahomes is and how he plays will dictate how far the Chiefs go in 2025.