Kansas City Chiefs' 2024 season prep hits a snag as rookie Xavier Worthy enters concussion protocol. How will this impact Patrick Mahomes and the offense?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The fields at Missouri Western State University were silent on Thursday as the Kansas City Chiefs took a scheduled day off from training camp. But the lack of on-field action did little to quiet the growing concerns around the team, most notably the status of first-round pick Xavier Worthy, who entered the NFL's concussion protocol, casting a shadow over the team's urgent mission to reignite its offense.
We're trying to finish games, man. When it comes late into that fourth quarter, that's why we're out here working... Every single game is competition, man. It's always going to [be a] one score game.
The biggest news hanging over the team's day off is the health of rookie speedster Xavier Worthy. After banging his head attempting a catch on Wednesday, he was placed in the concussion protocol. With no further update provided, his return to practice remains indefinite. The injury list doesn't stop there. Tight end Jake Briningstool (hamstring), cornerback Kristian Fulton (knee), and cornerback Darius Rush (hamstring) also remained sidelined, creating early depth concerns for a team that needs all hands on deck.
These health issues come at a critical time, as the Chiefs are laser-focused on revamping an offense that, by its own lofty standards, underwhelmed in 2024. Finishing 17th in yards and 15th in points prompted a clear offseason strategy: protect Patrick Mahomes and create more big plays. The additions of veteran left tackle Jaylon Moore and first-round tackle Josh Simmons are central to that plan. The goal is to lessen the historic burden on Mahomes, who accounted for an NFL-high 72.5% of the team's offense last year, and to empower returning receivers Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown in the downfield passing game.
The drive for improvement extends to every corner of the roster, with a focus on longevity and endurance. Kicker Harrison Butker revealed he's adjusting his technique, aiming to stay more upright to reduce wear and tear on his knee and ankle. 'I think a whole season will feel a lot easier on my knees,' he told reporters. This mindset mirrors a team-wide emphasis on conditioning, with players stressing the importance of being able to dominate in the fourth quarter of tight games, a hallmark of past championship runs.
While Thursday was a quiet day on the field, the storylines are heating up off it. The Chiefs have a clear mission to rebuild their offensive juggernaut, but early injuries to key players, especially their top draft pick, present an immediate challenge. All eyes will be on Friday's practice for updates on Worthy, Fulton, and the others, and to see if the quest for offensive explosiveness can get back on track.
