Xavier Worthy Thrives in Expanded Role During Chiefs' Week 6 Victory

Xavier Worthy recorded a game-high seven receptions for 73 yards to help the Kansas City Chiefs move to 5-0.

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy recorded seven receptions for 73 yards on 28 routes during a Week 6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Worthy achieved a 100% catch rate on his targets and a plus-17.1% catch rate over expected. The performance came as quarterback Patrick Mahomes played without injured receivers Tyquan Thornton, who is on injured reserve with a dislocated left ankle, and Rashee Rice, who is sidelined by a strained right hamstring. Tight end Travis Kelce also sustained a right ankle injury during the first quarter of the contest.

The 5-foot-11, 165-pound receiver beat both zone and man-to-man coverage on crossing routes and intermediate plays. This production followed a September stretch where Worthy totaled 63 yards on 10 catches across three games. Earlier in October, Worthy recorded a 41-yard contested catch against the Las Vegas Raiders on a deep over route. Coach Andy Reid noted that the team utilized Worthy's versatility for shallow and deep crosses rather than using him strictly as a deep threat.

Kansas City currently holds a 5-0 record heading into a Sunday matchup against the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. Worthy, who holds the NFL combine 40-yard dash record at 4.21 seconds, is expected to maintain an increased workload with Thornton anticipated to remain out until January. The third-year receiver previously recorded 638 yards as a rookie before a shoulder injury limited him to 532 yards and one touchdown last season.