How long is Xavier Worthy out? Shoulder injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Chiefs WR

The Kansas City Chiefs got their first win of the 2025 NFL season in Week 3 over the New York Giants, and they should be getting their top wide receiver back soon.

Xavier Worthy, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury he suffered Week 1 in Brazil, missed two games, but he could return against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. The Chiefs have dealt with depth issues at wide receiver, as Rashee Rice serving a six-game suspension to begin the year combined with Worthy missing time.

The Chiefs expect to rely on Worthy in the passing game this season; in his rookie season, he had 638 yards and six touchdowns on 59 receptions. In Super Bowl LIX against the Eagles, he caught all eight of his targets for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Many are expecting a leap from the receiver from Texas.

Here's the latest on Worthy's injury and when he could return to the field.

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What is Xavier Worthy's injury?

In the Chiefs' first game of the year against the Los Angeles Chargers, wide receiver Xavier Worthy suffered a right shoulder injury in a collision with tight end Travis Kelce. Worthy was officially diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder, but he has so far avoided surgery on the shoulder.

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How long is Xavier Worthy out?

Xavier Worthy was able to avoid surgery on his injured shoulder, meaning he should be back sooner than later. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that Kansas City would not put Worthy on injured reserve, which meant the wide receiver could be back within the four games.

Worthy has continued to rehab, but he missed Week 2 against the Eagles.

Here’s your video of Xavier Worthy, who does have some extra padding on his right arm. pic.twitter.com/qn197Dgd7a

— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) September 11, 2025

If the Chiefs decided to put Xavier Worthy on injured reserve, then he would have been forced to miss each of the next four games. But as of the Wednesday before the Chiefs faced the New York Giants, the wide receiver looked on track for a return to the field quite soon.

Worthy practiced "without restrictions" on Sept. 17, according to ESPN, but was officially considered limited for precaution. Worthy "was seen running routes during the open portion of practice without extra padding on his right arm," and the Chiefs are "optimistic" for his Week 3 status against the New York Giants; he's expected to wear a harness. 

Jalen Royals and Xavier Worthy back at practice #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/SF8fGO765f

— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) September 17, 2025

However, the optimism was short-lived, as Worthy was downgraded to out on Saturday afternoon. He missed Kansas City's Week 3 contest against the Giants, which the Chiefs won 22-9.

As the Chiefs ramp up for a massive tilt with another AFC contender in the Baltimore Ravens, Worthy practiced fully for the first time on Wednesday.

Chiefs listed WR Xavier Worthy as a full participant in today’s practice, putting him on track to play Sunday against Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/r8LwL18Ev2

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 24, 2025

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Worthy is on track to play on Sunday against the Ravens. This would be his first appearance since Week 1, where he left the game on the Chiefs' first drive of the game. 

On Friday, Reid told the media that Worthy is expected to play on Sunday against Baltimore. The Chiefs are getting back their young, promising wide receiver for the marquee matchup.

Andy Reid said everyone but rookie DE Ashton Gillotte (illness) participated in today's practice. Reid said Gillotte should be fine for Sunday's game.

Reid said Xavier Worthy is expected to play.

"He's been able to keep himself in good shape," Reid said of Worthy.

— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) September 26, 2025

Chiefs WR depth chart

In Week 1, Royals missed the game so Tyquan Thornton saw an increase in action once Worthy left the game. However, it was Hollywood Brown who became the focal point of the offense for the Chiefs passing game, producing 10 catches for 99 yards to lead the team.

Week 2 and Week 3 also saw an increased presence for Thornton, who had seven receptions and two touchdowns in the two contests. Against New York, Thornton had season-highs with nine targets, five receptions and 71 yards.

However, its Worthy and Rice who are expected to be the Chiefs' top two receivers this year, and Worthy's injury absence has coincided with Rice's six-game suspension. Brown and Smith-Schuster have been Kansas City's immediate replacements at the position, with Thornton, Royals and Brownlee following behind. 

Worthy is expected to make his return against Baltimore on Sunday for the pivotal Week 4 matchup.

Chiefs upcoming schedule

Here's a look at the next four games on the Chiefs schedule: