How long is Xavier Worthy out? Shoulder injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Chiefs WR

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a crucial matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, a Super Bowl rematch that sent them to 0-2.

However, the Chiefs are also dealing with depth issues, particularly at wide receiver. Not only is Rashee Rice serving a six-game suspension to begin the year, but Xavier Worthy has been dealing with a shoulder injury he suffered Week 1 in Brazil.

Worthy’s status is of note since the Chiefs expected to rely on him in the passing game this season, and missing him in multiple games would be a huge deal. Here’s the latest on Worthy’s injury and when he could return to the field.

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What is Xavier Worthy’s injury?

In the Chiefs’ first game of the year against the Los Angeles Chargers, wide receiver Xavier Worthy suffered a right shoulder injury in a collision with tight end Travis Kelce. Worthy was officially diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder, but he has so far avoided surgery on the shoulder.

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How long is Xavier Worthy out?

Xavier Worthy was able to avoid surgery on his injured shoulder, meaning he should be back sooner than later. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that Kansas City would not put Worthy on injured reserve, which meant the wide receiver could be back within the four games.

Worthy has continued to rehab, but he missed Week 2 against the Eagles.

Here’s your video of Xavier Worthy, who does have some extra padding on his right arm. pic.twitter.com/qn197Dgd7a

— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) September 11, 2025

If the Chiefs decided to put Xavier Worthy on injured reserve, then he would have been forced to miss each of the next four games. But as of Wednesday, the wide receiver may be on track for a return to the field quite soon.

Worthy practiced “without restrictions” on Sept. 17, according to ESPN, but was officially considered limited for precaution. Worthy “was seen running routes during the open portion of practice without extra padding on his right arm,” and the Chiefs are “optimistic” for his Week 3 status against the New York Giants; he’s expected to wear a harness. 

Jalen Royals and Xavier Worthy back at practice #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/SF8fGO765f

— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) September 17, 2025

Chiefs WR depth chart

In Week 1, Royals missed the game so Tyquan Thornton saw an increase in action once Worthy left the game. However, it was Hollywood Brown who became the focal point of the offense for the Chiefs passing game, producing 10 catches for 99 yards to lead the team.

Week 2 also led to an increased presence for Thornton, who had five targets. 

However, its Worthy and Rice who are expected to be the Chiefs’ top two receivers this year, and Worthy’s injury absence has coincided with Rice’s six-game suspension. Brown and Smith-Schuster have been Kansas City’s immediate replacements at the position, with Thornton, Royals and Brownlee following behind. 

Chiefs upcoming schedule

Here’s a look at the next four games on the Chiefs schedule: