Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy Injured in Season Opener vs. Chargers
The NFL’s 2025 season opener in São Paulo, Brazil between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers quickly turned dramatic, and not only because of the scoreboard. The game began with high energy as Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert squared off in what was billed as an early-season AFC West clash. But the focus soon shifted when rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy suffered a shoulder injury on Kansas City’s very first possession.
Worthy’s night was over almost as soon as it began. After colliding with veteran tight end Travis Kelce during the opening drive, he went down hard and was seen leaving the field visibly frustrated, a towel draped over his head. Not long after, the Chiefs announced he had been ruled out for the rest of the game. For fans, especially those who drafted him in fantasy football leagues, the news hit hard. The team had planned to feature Worthy heavily this season, especially with Rashee Rice unavailable due to suspension.
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Without Worthy, the Chiefs offense looked shaky early on. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown became Mahomes’ primary target, but the results were limited—nine targets produced just five catches for a total of 16 yards in the first half. Kelce was quiet as well, managing only one catch for 10 yards. Mahomes struggled to find rhythm, completing 12 of 21 passes for 98 yards by halftime, and the Chargers took advantage of the imbalance.
Justin Herbert, meanwhile, looked sharp. His connection with second-year wideout Ladd McConkey stood out, as the pair linked up four times for 49 yards. Herbert completed 12 of 18 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown in the opening half, showing poise in the pocket and good decision-making. Even when penalties wiped out a few of his gains, his performance kept the Chargers on top.
Still, Mahomes’ magic eventually surfaced. In the third quarter, he pulled off a clever scramble for an 11-yard rushing touchdown, pump-faking veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack before darting into the end zone. It was a classic Mahomes moment that cut into the Chargers’ lead. But the excitement was short-lived, as kicker Harrison Butker missed the extra point that would have tied the game at 13.
The night also featured some unique moments off the field. Colombian superstar Karol G performed at halftime, adding to the spectacle of the NFL’s international showcase. Yet, for Kansas City, the dominant storyline was the unexpected loss of Xavier Worthy.
At this point, the severity of his shoulder injury has not been confirmed, but being ruled out so quickly is never a good sign. The Chiefs will have to adjust on the fly, leaning more on Kelce, Brown, and other receivers to fill the gap. For Worthy, his promising start to the NFL journey has been put on hold, and the Chiefs’ season-opening challenge just became even steeper.
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