When the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Jacksonville for their Week 5 primetime showdown, all eyes will once again be on rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy. After flashing his trademark speed last week against Baltimore, the first-year playmaker’s health is once again a headline. Worthy was downgraded to questionable after swelling in his right ankle flared up late in the week, raising concerns about how much he’ll be able to contribute on Monday night.
Injury Status and Practice Updates
Worthy’s rookie season has already featured multiple setbacks. He originally dislocated his right shoulder in Week 1 during a collision with tight end Travis Kelce, forcing him to miss two games. Since returning, he has continued to wear a shoulder brace while playing through what team sources described as a torn labrum.
Despite the injury, he posted five receptions for 83 yards last week, showing immediate chemistry with Patrick Mahomes. However, the ankle issue that popped up during Friday’s walkthrough left him limited through the weekend. He is currently expected to play against the Jaguars, and the addition to the injury report was a precaution for the Chiefs.
Chiefs announced WR Xavier Worthy is now questionable for Monday Night’s game due to a shoulder/ankle injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 5, 2025
What It Means for Fantasy Managers
If Worthy suits up, he’ll likely remain the Chiefs’ top deep threat, especially with Rashee Rice serving the final game of his suspension. Even at partial health, Worthy’s speed creates instant separation and makes him a legitimate vertical weapon. Still, the coaching staff has reportedly reduced his number of crossing routes and physical in-breaking plays to protect his shoulder, which could slightly cap his target volume.
Fantasy managers should expect some variance and stay on the cautious side for Worthy. It could be a potential boom performance if he connects on a deep ball, but an overall lower floor if Mahomes spreads targets around.
Fantasy Outlook and Projection
Assuming he plays, Worthy profiles as a high-risk, high-reward WR2 or flex option in PPR leagues. His 13 targets over the past two games point to growing trust from Mahomes, but his availability will dictate his upside. If he’s inactive, Hollywood Brown and Tyquan Thornton could both see a bump in usage, though neither offers Worthy’s explosiveness. Overall, Worthy stays at a flex option because of the uncertainty with his volume.
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