Chiefs Reportedly 'Optimistic' Xavier Worthy Will Play vs. Giants Amid Shoulder Injury

The Kansas City Chiefs are "optimistic" that wide receiver Xavier Worthy will return from a shoulder injury during the team's Week 3 matchup with the New York Giants, according to ESPN's Nate Taylor.

Worthy is expected to wear a harness when he plays, per Taylor

The second-year receiver suffered a dislocated shoulder after colliding with teammate Travis Kelce while running a route during Kansas City's 27-21 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1.

Worthy didn't play in Week 2, but was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old is looking to build upon a promising rookie season in 2024, reeling in 59 catches for 638 yards and scoring nine total touchdowns. He also picked up 104 yards on the ground, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt.

Worthy stepped up during Kansas City's playoff run that ended with a Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, hauling in 19 receptions for 287 yards and three scores in three postseason appearances.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes explained how Worthy's speed accentuates the team's passing attack.

"More than anything, having him out there is a threat in general," Mahomes said Wednesday, per Taylor. "At any moment, he can take a pass -- short or long -- and take it to the house. Having him on the practice field was very encouraging last week. Seeing him out there, he wanted to stay out there. It was kind of like holding him back."

The signal-caller could also have another weapon on the field in Week 3, as rookie receiver Jalen Royals participated in his first regular-season practice on Wednesday. Royals, a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, missed Kansas City's first two games of the year with a knee injury.

Worthy's status against the Giants should gain more clarity as Sunday's game approaches, with kickoff at 8:20 p.m. ET.