Xavier Worthy limited to 2/20 vs. Dolphins

With Rashee Rice back after missing two games because of a hamstring issue, Worthy was relegated to WR2 duties once again. Per usual, he didn’t do much while Rice racked up PPR-friendly receptions. Worthy was, however, the intended target on a pair of red zone attempts in the third quarter. Pat Surtain easily broke up one pass that was left a bit short and Worthy actually fought to knock another one down that should have been intercepted by Riley Moss. Worthy has topped 25 yards in one game with Rice again. He’s simply not a part of the Chiefs’ plans on offense when they’re at full strength. Fantasy managers can feel free to cut him loose on this week’s run of waivers.

Worthy struggled to separate from primary coverage of the Seahawks throughout, also committing a drop in a crucial situation in the second half. The Chiefs continue to show hesitancy in utilizing Worthy in a downfield role, which is of particular concern for his fantasy managers considering the absence of Tyquan Thornton. Worthy is better left on fantasy benches ahead of a Week 8 meeting with the stingy Broncos, particularly if Rashee Rice returns from injury.

The Chiefs, with Rashee Rice (hamstring) sidelined, made every effort to force feed Worthy near the line of scrimmage in this one. That resulted in Worthy leading the KC offense in both targets and receiving yards, with a long reception of 19 yards. Most of his Week 6 touches were of the gadget variety. Increased usage should give Worthy a sturdy PPR floor for now. He should be considered a flex play next week against the tough Seattle secondary.

Rice appeared to have a good chance at suiting up for Week 6 when Andy Reid spoke about it after Week 4’s win over the Raiders. Reid only said he “tweaked” his hammy. Even with a bye week to rest, it looks like Rice is now on the wrong side of questionable for Week 6. With Tyquan Thornton on IR, Xavier Worthy may be tasked with WR1 duties this week. He totaled four catches for 70 yards in his last outing and would be a solid FLEX play versus the Chargers if Rice can’t go.

Worthy saw a season-high seven targets in this one after Rashee Rice (hamstring) exited just a few plays into the game. Worthy came up with a handful of key plays for the Chiefs, with his biggest coming on a 41-yard reception that put the Chiefs in position for a short touchdown pass to Tyquan Thornton a few plays later. The Chiefs now head into their Week 5 bye, but they could be down multiple receivers, with Rice and Thornton (ankle) both suffering injuries in this one. While we don’t yet know the extent of Rice’s injury, Thornton’s ankle injury looked like a potential season-ender. Worthy could well be worth a stash in leagues where he is still available, as he could soon be the top receiver for the Chiefs when they return in Week 6 to face the Chargers. Second-year receiver Jalen Royals, who ran 21 routes in this game, could also see an expanded role in the coming weeks.

Worthy’s score came from one yard out on a fourth-down play at the end of the second quarter. The play followed three consecutive failed rush attempts from Kenneth Walker from one yard out, with the veteran receiver leaking to the flat on a Mahomes bootleg for his first score of the young season. Worthy remains a shaky WR5 ahead of a cake matchup with the Dolphins in Week 3.

The entire Kansas City pass offense appeared stuck in the mud, with little ability to attack deep against one of the league’s best defenses. Worthy struggled to gain separation on targets beyond five yards of the line of scrimmage, something the Chiefs have struggled with the previous two seasons. Further hampering their downfield pass game was an inconsistent and adjusting Patrick Mahomes in his first game since tearing his ACL. The return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy saw the Chiefs lean on new running back Kenneth Walker, who out-gained the entire Denver offense on his own, leaving little in the way of additional motivation to air the ball out. Worthy enters a Week 2 matchup with the Colts as a low-upside WR5, likely best left on fantasy benches, for the time being.

Worthy’s range of potential outcomes remains quite wide. The team attributed his lackluster 2025 season to the significant shoulder injury he suffered in Week 1. He missed time in training camp with a shoulder issue as well. He can be treated as a volatile FLEX playing in a top-tier offense against the Broncos.

On Monday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Worthy should resume practicing at some point this week. The Chiefs have another practice tomorrow, so Worthy technically still has 24 hours to prove Reid right, but his continued absence is slightly concerning regardless. Last Saturday, Worthy sprained the same shoulder that was surgically repaired this offseason. He dislocated his right shoulder in Week 1, causing a full labral tear and badly impacting his season. It would be great to see him resume practicing fully tomorrow or early next week.

This news comes after Worthy was carted from the field during Saturday’s practice. The third-year receiver is hoping to put last year’s disappointing season behind him when he caught just 42 passes for 432 yards and one touchdown while missing some time with a dislocated shoulder. Despite the early scare over the weekend, this recent injury doesn’t appear to be all too concerning.