Nov 18, 2023; Ames, Iowa, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) carries the ball in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sara Diggins-USA TODAY Sports / Sara Diggins-USA TODAY Sports
Chiefs first-round WR Xavier Worthy suffered a hamstring injury in May that sidelined him during OTAs, but he’s now putting concerns to rest ahead of training camp with a new workout video.
The coaching staff and betting markets alike expect a big rookie campaign from the speedster, who notably had 981 receiving yards and 12 TDs during his freshman year at Texas, so getting Worthy on the field at camp this month is important to build chemistry with Patrick Mahomes.
Kansas City wants to avoid a slow start given the difficult schedule. If Worthy picks the offense up quickly and proves to be a legitimate threat, the Chiefs could take full control of the AFC after only a few weeks.
Worthy looks quick and explosive, similar to his early practices with the team. Alongside Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown and Mecole Hardman, Worthy helps give Kansas CIty one of the fastest wide receiver groups in the NFL.
If you’re hoping the offense gets back to the downfield bombs of Mahomes’ early days, Worthy plays a huge role. All that speed creates more space for Travis Kelce underneath, and the elephant in the room is when exactly Rashee Rice will be suspended.
Provided this video isn’t just a flash in the pan and Worthy is a full go for camp, the Chiefs are in a great spot with skill-position players overall. Worthy produced all three years at Texas despite his small stature, accumulating 2,755 total receiving yards and 26 TDs.
His potential role on special teams looms large too. Special teams coordinator has compared Worthy’s return skills to Tyreek Hill’s, adding a new element to a unit that’s lacked a consistent big-play threat over the last few years.
Brett Veach invested significant resources to ensure the receiver room doesn’t suffer from the same problems as last year, leading the league in dropped passes (44). With Worthy in the fold, the Chiefs are in a great spot to ensure history won’t repeat itself.