Kendrick Bourne Returns to 49ers as Chiefs Lose Xavier Worthy to Injury
The NFL’s opening week has already delivered big headlines, with major roster moves and injuries shaking up multiple teams. One of the biggest stories centers around wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who is making his way back to San Francisco, while the Kansas City Chiefs are facing a tough loss after young wideout Xavier Worthy went down with a shoulder injury.
Let’s start with the 49ers. It was reported that Kendrick Bourne has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. This is a bit of a homecoming for Bourne, since he began his NFL career in San Francisco before moving on to New England. Now at 30 years old, he’s returning to a 49ers roster that badly needs depth at wide receiver. With several players on the injury report, the timing couldn’t be better. Bourne is known as a reliable target, someone who brings energy and versatility, and his familiarity with the system makes this signing even more valuable. The team also locked in offensive tackle Colton McKivitz on a three-year, $45 million extension, showing their commitment to stability on the line.
Also Read:On the other side of the league, the Kansas City Chiefs are dealing with an unfortunate blow to their receiving corps. Xavier Worthy, the second-year wideout who came in with high expectations after being drafted in the first round in 2024, suffered a dislocated shoulder in the season opener against the Chargers in Brazil. The injury occurred after a collision with tight end Travis Kelce during the opening drive. At first, it didn’t look severe, but tests later confirmed the shoulder had been dislocated. According to reports, he is expected to miss some time, though it’s not yet clear exactly how long. When he does return, it’s likely he will need to wear a brace for added protection.
Worthy had been poised for a bigger role this season, especially after Kansas City’s receiving group was thinned out by suspensions and departures. He was second only to Kelce in receiving yards for the Chiefs last year, recording 59 catches, 638 yards, and six touchdowns as a rookie. Losing him now puts even more pressure on Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the offense to find answers quickly. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who was brought in to strengthen the passing attack, may now see his workload increase, alongside other receivers like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton.
These two stories highlight just how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. For the 49ers, the addition of Kendrick Bourne brings a much-needed boost and some veteran leadership. For the Chiefs, the injury to Worthy raises questions about depth and resilience as they prepare for a tough Super Bowl rematch against the Eagles in Week 2.
It’s only the beginning of the season, but the storylines are already dramatic. Bourne’s return and Worthy’s setback could both end up shaping how these two teams move forward in 2025.
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