On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their first padded practice of training camp, providing an authentic taste of what the team will face during the preseason and the regular season ahead. 🏈
This offseason, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid have expressed a strong desire to maximize their deep passing game in 2025. The padded practices during training camp are an ideal setting for this ambitious goal. 🔥
Second-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy is poised to play a crucial role in the team’s quest to revive deep passing. Coach Reid commented on Worthy’s potential, saying, “He’s a part of that for sure. We’ve got speed — the best we can utilize it — and we’ll still work our short-to-intermediate game as we go, but that’s all part of it.”
Despite a challenging night during the Super Bowl, Worthy mentioned that the fourth quarter, where he recorded four receptions for 74 yards (including a remarkable 50-yard touchdown), boosted his confidence heading into this season. 🌟
Worthy’s development mirrors that of rookie Rashee Rice, as he notes that the game had finally clicked for him, aided by mentorship from veterans like DeAndre Hopkins, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Travis Kelce, and Mahomes himself. “I feel like it started slowing down for me a little later in the year last year,” Worthy said. “I had those vets with me. I had D-Hop, JuJu, TK, and Pat — they helped me understand coverages. Once you grasp that, it boils down to making plays.”
As a sophomore player, Worthy has become a mentor to fifth-round rookie Jalen Royals. With Rice facing a possible suspension in the early weeks, Royals may see more action than initially anticipated. 🏃♂️
“He’s a fast learner,” Worthy praised of Royals. “He gets out there and doesn’t make too many mistakes. Of course, being a rookie means he will experience a few mental errors here and there, but he’s playing well and taking advantage of his opportunities.”
Worthy further elaborated that he arrived in St. Joseph with a deeper understanding of the playbook compared to last season, a development that should aid his performance in 2025. 📚
“It’s another year in the offense,” he noted. “I have a better grasp of the plays, a clearer understanding of the zones, and what teams will throw at me. It’s really about understanding the schematics.”
In 2024, Worthy had a standout stretch from Week 11 to Week 17 and continued that momentum into the playoffs. If he maintains that pace over 17 games, projections indicate he could surpass 1,150 yards and tally around 10 touchdowns. 🚀
If that prediction comes to fruition, Worthy would not only be integral to Kansas City’s deep passing game but could also find himself recognized among the NFL’s elite receivers.
Injury Update
- Returned to practice: OL Jawaan Taylor, TE Tre Watson
- Out of practice (due to injury): TE Jake Briningstool (restricted with a hamstring issue since 7/26)
- Left practice early (due to injury): N/A
- Non-football injury (NFI) list: DL BJ Thompson
- Physically unable to perform (PUP) list: CB Kristian Fulton (dealing with a knee issue since 7/22)
Post of the Day
One of the highlights from Sunday’s session was captured by John Dixon, showcasing the exciting developments from practice. Here’s the post of the day:
It’s a big season for No. 4. 📣
Quote of the Day
Andy Reid shared his thoughts on padded practices: “I appreciate that second half of the practice. You can see how they push through, how they persevere, and start to talk to themselves as they approach exhaustion. It’s interesting to see who is willing to keep pushing forward.”
What’s Next?
Sunday’s practice sets the stage for another workout on Monday starting at 9:15 a.m. local time. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will address the media after practice, and offensive and defensive linemen will be available for autographs. ✍️
Check out the full 2025 training camp schedule for more details!