NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed that Worthy suffered a dislocated shoulder, and while more tests are pending, his timeline to return remains uncertain.
Xavier Worthy #chiefs
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) September 7, 2025
Confirmed shoulder dislocation which is exactly how it looked. Kelce hits him from the front so most likely a posterior dislocation.
Two possible outlooks
1: Rehabs and returns to play. NFL average return to play is within 3 weeks. Would not expect a hit… pic.twitter.com/YWgzODNQSm
Surgery vs. brace: Chiefs face tough wait on Worthy
The best-case scenario would see Worthy play through the injury with a brace, potentially returning within a few weeks. However, doctors have cautioned that the risk of re-injury is high. If further scans reveal a tear or fracture, surgery could be required, which would likely sideline the 22-year-old for the rest of the season.
Sports surgeon Dr. Deepak Chona noted that recovery without surgery can be as quick as 2–4 weeks, while surgery could mean 4–6 months out.
Travis Kelce made sure Xavier Worthy wasn’t going to steal his thunder this season… pic.twitter.com/Gl4L4rmZaw
— WACHoopsNation (@WACHoopsNation) September 6, 2025
Chiefs WR depth stretched thin without Worthy
Worthy’s absence is especially painful for the Chiefs, who are already missing Rashee Rice due to a six-game suspension and rookie Jalen Royals with a knee injury. Against the Chargers, Patrick Mahomes leaned heavily on Marquise Brown (10 catches, 99 yards), with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton filling supporting roles. W
With the receiver room stretched thin, Kansas City could look to add a veteran option, with names like Odell Beckham Jr. and Robert Woods already circulating.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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