Man, I really thought Xavier Worthy was gonna be *different*. I mean, I unapologetically loved the pick when the Chiefs drafted him in the first round. My gut screamed, ‘He’s fast, he’s productive, and he’s gonna add the element this offense has been missing!’ Yeah, some national analysts straight up panned the selection, saying he was just more of the same small, gadget-type receiver in that room. But I flat out rejected that notion! This was different, I told myself. Andy Reid doesn’t take a guy in the first round without a plan, right? And for his rookie year, at least, it absolutely looked like there was a plan.
The Flash of What Could Be
After a bit of a slow start, pulling in just 20 receptions over his first nine games, Worthy truly got thrust into action in the back half of his rookie 2024 season. Remember that? After Rashee Rice went down with an injury, Worthy became the team’s leading receiver! He absolutely went off, racking up nearly 400 yards in those final seven regular-season games. That was the glimpse, the moment we all said, ‘See? We told you!’ That kid is not just some Combine track star; he’s a real-deal receiver with outlier speed. We saw it, we *felt* it.
The Struggle is Real
But then, man, everything just went sideways. First game of the 2025 season, he runs into Travis Kelce on a crossing route, and *boom*, shoulder issues. He missed a couple of games, then an ankle injury pops up. He barely cleared 500 receiving yards and snagged just one touchdown for the entire 2025 campaign. It was brutal, a totally frustrating season marred by injury. Coming into this 2026 season, the Chiefs spent the offseason telling anyone who would listen, ‘This year’s different! Worthy’s healthy! You’re gonna see that second-half 2024 guy!’ And honestly? I was optimistic! I thought, this is it, this is the year he shuts everyone up. But here we are, and I’m still waiting.
He doesn’t look like that confident player from his rookie year’s second half, does he? He’s shying away from contact. He’s not strong at the catch point. He’s just not beating defenders to the corner like he should. I’m legitimately struggling to understand how you even use a wide receiver who doesn’t win deep, doesn’t bring the physicality needed to win across the middle, and can’t break tackles after the catch. What’s the proper usage for a guy like that? It sure looks like the Chiefs are asking the exact same question.
I just hope the Chiefs figure this out for Worthy, and fast. Because let’s be real, this offense, even with Worthy struggling, is a legitimate contender! Kenneth Walker has finally added that explosive run element they’ve been missing for years. Patrick Mahomes looks as confident as I’ve seen him in his supporting cast since 2022. Kelce is totally rejuvenated, and Tyquan Thornton is a legit deep threat. Even Rashee Rice is grinding his way back to prime form. If Worthy could just, *just* get back to that second-half 2024 self, this group would be absolutely cooking with gas! But can he? That’s the million-dollar question we’re all looking for an answer to. And the clock is ticking.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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