Xavier Worthy Undergoes Shoulder Surgery After Tough Sophomore Season with Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 campaign got off to a rough start - and not just on the scoreboard. From the very first possession of their international season opener against the Chargers in Brazil, things started to unravel.
A holding penalty on the opening kickoff set the tone for what would become a frustrating day for the special teams unit. But the real gut punch came just a few plays later.
On the third snap of the season, second-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy collided with tight end Travis Kelce in a play that left Worthy clutching his shoulder. He exited the game and didn’t return - and that moment ended up defining much of his sophomore season.
Worthy, who had flashed serious potential as a rookie in 2024, never quite found his rhythm after the injury. He missed the next two games and was clearly limited when he did return. The numbers tell the story: 42 receptions, 532 yards, and just one touchdown in 14 games - a noticeable dip from his rookie line of 59 catches, 638 yards, and six scores over a full 17-game slate.
This week, Worthy confirmed what many suspected: the shoulder injury was more than just a nagging issue. On Wednesday, the 22-year-old announced he had undergone successful surgery to repair a torn labrum - an injury that clearly lingered throughout the year.
“Coming for it all next year,” Worthy posted on social media. “Let’s work. Road to recovery.”
And in case anyone was doubting his resolve, Worthy followed it up with a message that carried the energy of a player ready to silence critics: “Keep doubting me y’all are making a monster!”
That’s the kind of fire you want to see from a young receiver still carving out his place in the league - especially in an offense as demanding and dynamic as Kansas City’s.
Worthy also shared a photo of his shoulder post-op, underscoring the seriousness of the procedure. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, recovery from labrum surgery typically takes up to 12 weeks. The timeline breaks down to roughly 4-6 weeks for the labrum to reattach to the bone, followed by another 4-6 weeks of strengthening and rehab.
If all goes according to plan, Worthy should be back in action well before training camp kicks off - and with a clean bill of health, he’ll be looking to reestablish himself as a key piece in the Chiefs’ passing attack. His rookie year showed glimpses of a speedy playmaker with the ability to stretch defenses and find the end zone. Now, it’s about getting back to that level - and then some.
The Chiefs offense, still led by Patrick Mahomes and anchored by veterans like Kelce, thrives on timing, chemistry, and big-play potential. A healthy Worthy can be a difference-maker in that equation. And judging by his tone, he's not just planning to return - he's aiming to come back stronger, hungrier, and more dangerous than ever.