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Is Xavier Worthy out for the season? When is Xavier Worthy coming back? The latest Xavier Worthy injury update and fantasy football outlook heading into Week 3 of 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs second-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) was a popular breakout pick in drafts this season. As a rookie, Worthy had a slow start but was able to emerge as a key part of the offense during the stretch run and the postseason.
However, Worthy suffered a shoulder injury on the opening drive of the season and has yet to take the field since.
Will Worthy play again this season? Should fantasy managers stash him on their bench? Let's dive in!
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Is Xavier Worthy Out for the 2025 Season?
While many feared Worthy suffered a severe injury when he collided with teammate Travis Kelce, the former first-round pick suffered a torn labrum and could return as early as Week 3.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Worthy is "looking good" to suit up in Week 3 when the Chiefs travel to New York to face the Giants. If he were to progress enough to play, he would have to wear a harness around his labrum.
Leading up to Week 2, there was even an outside chance that Worthy could play. During the week, Worthy was able to log a limited practice on both Thursday and Friday, which left the door open for him to play. While he was eventually ruled out, he appears to be on the right track to suit up in Week 3.
While Worthy could be limited upon his return, Worthy will not miss the remainder of the reason and could return as early as this coming weekend.
Xavier Worthy Hopes to Return in Week 3https://t.co/A11JA6gYsA
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 14, 2025
Xavier Worthy 2025 Fantasy Football Outlook
While the Texas product could be in danger of suffering a setback given the severity of his injury, seeing him return to the practice this quickly suggests managers should not be concerned with his rest-of-season outlook. In fact, if Worthy can play this weekend, he will likely reclaim his low-end WR2/high-end WR3 projection facing a weak Giants secondary.
After averaging 8.7 PPR points per game during the first nine games of his rookie season, Worthy was able to flip the script in the second half. Over his final seven games (excluding Week 18), Worthy averaged a strong 15.6 PPR points per game. During this stretch, Worthy found the back of the end zone four times and averaged 10.1 yards per reception.
In the postseason (three games), Worthy would take a step higher, posting an elite 22.7 PPR points per game with three touchdowns and an impressive 15.1 yards per repetition.
While top wideout Rashee Rice is slated to make his return during Week 7 (following his six-game suspension) and should reclaim his role as Patrick Mahomes's top target, Worthy could still carry high fantasy value. Outside of Rice and Worthy, the Chiefs lack proven pass catchers.
Kelce is nearing the end of his career, and veteran wideouts Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster have struggled to find consistent production in this offense.
Given his elite speed and ability to turn any catch into a big play, Worthy remains a must-stash in all leagues and should return to lineup-lock status as soon as he is cleared to return.
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Popular Week 3 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 3 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for Deebo Samuel Sr., Tee Higgins, Mike Evans, Marvin Harrison Jr., Courtland Sutton compared to others:
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