The Kansas City Chiefs have been missing standout wideout Xavier Worthy since he dislocated his shoulder in Week 1. After going winless in their first two games, the Chiefs got back in the win column in Week 3, but all eyes are on whether Worthy will be ready to return for their crucial Week 4 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
Will Xavier Worthy Play vs. the Baltimore Ravens?
The absence of Worthy has been immediately felt. His right shoulder was dislocated after he collided awkwardly with Travis Kelce on the first drive of Week 1 against the Chargers. Without him, the Chiefs’ bright new playmaker was suddenly sidelined, and their passing assault appeared substantially weaker.
Add in Rashee Rice’s six-game suspension, and Patrick Mahomes was left trying to work magic with a thin group of targets.
However, the good news is Worthy has been steadily recovering, and the Chiefs are optimistic he “will be able to play a limited role for the offense while wearing a small harness” in Week 4, per ESPN’s Nate Taylor. He has been spotted in practice wearing a shoulder brace and full-contact gear, running routes and catching passes with his trademark speed.
Even if Worthy is active, his playing time will likely be limited, as the Chiefs continue to exercise caution. In his absence, Tyquan Thornton has stepped up as a reliable target for Mahomes, posting nine receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns.
However, if and when Worthy returns at full health, Kansas City’s offense could receive a major boost. Last year, he quickly established himself as one of Mahomes’ most dependable targets, finishing with 59 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns, capped off by a record-setting Super Bowl performance with 157 yards and two scores in the eventual loss to Philadelphia.
Worthy’s Fantasy Outlook
Worthy’s injury situation introduces significant uncertainty about his effectiveness, even if he suits up in Week 4. While he has been able to participate in practice this past week, a positive sign toward potential availability, he remains far from full health, and a complete recovery isn’t expected until the 2026 season.
If cleared to play, Worthy will do so with a shoulder harness designed to provide additional stability and protection. It’s difficult to imagine how he can successfully navigate the physical demands of NFL competition while managing this significant injury limitation.
The nature of football makes it nearly impossible to completely avoid contact with his injured shoulder during the course of a game. Any direct impact on the affected area could easily force him from the contest, making him an extremely risky fantasy play even if officially active.
His speed and big-play ability represent the upside that could make him viable despite the injury concerns. Still, the floor appears dangerously low given the re-injury potential throughout the game.