Kansas City Chiefs first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy participated in practice for the first time since the first week of OTAs back in late May.
A minor hamstring injury kept Worthy out for the vast majority of Phase III of the offseason workout program. Andy Reid confirmed on Tuesday that Worthy would be among the injured players who were back out there to start training camp . As it turns out, the rookie was back in action among the 37 players out at the first of three practice sessions they'll hold this week before veterans arrive.
"I was feeling good," Worthy said following practice. "Working with working my way back in today. It felt good just to be back out here with the guys and just being able to play the game of football."
Worthy did not receive a full helping of snaps during Wednesday's practice, but that wasn't entirely by design. Yes, the team wants to ensure that he doesn't reinjure his hamstring, but he also suffered a minor finger injury that briefly sidelined him during practice. He eventually returned to the field and was able to fight through whatever discomfort he may have endured.
"Yeah, just a little finger jam, but I'm alright," he said. "I mean, it's part of football. I know what I signed up for. So, it's just good just to be able to fight through it and have adversity to fight through it."
Worthy himself admitted that he isn't yet 100% in his return from injury. The heavy wrap on his thigh suggested as much. Still, he indicated that if a game were to be played tomorrow, he'd be playing in it.
"I'm as good as I can be right now," Worthy said. "Obviously, still working my way back into things, but I'm here I'm ready to work."
The rookie seems to take a great deal of pride in getting an opportunity to get back out on the field with his teammates after having missed time. It's something that he's not entirely familiar with after a spotless college career. However, he made the most of his time on the sidelines.
"It's very important to me," Worthy told reporters. "In college, I never missed a game. (I) never had no injuries really. So just having that happen. I mean, like I said, it's kind of frustrating, but I got a chance to learn and get better in a different way (by) learning the playbook. So I mean, it was good in both ways for me."
Worthy notches the play of the day during his first practice back with the Chiefs
As far as Worthy's performance is concerned, the rookie had a few drops during the earliest portion of practice when the team went through individual drills. Some of that can likely be attributed to the finger issue, but it was also a matter of getting his sea legs under him after missing practically a month of practice. Fox 4 Kansas City reporter PJ Green caught some of those bad reps along with a few good ones.
It didn't take long for him to make a head-turning play once he got his bearings. By multiple accounts, Worthy had the play of the day during practice on a deep sideline pass from backup QB Ian Book. It was a contested leaping grab with third-year Chiefs CB Nazeeh Johnson in his hip pocket in coverage. Worthy caught the pass as he fell to the ground for what was a very solid gain. The rookie isn't letting that play go to his head, though.
"I mean, there's a lot of things I have to work on," Worthy said. "But I mean, it's a good start."
Hopefully, that's a play that Worthy can recreate with Patrick Mahomes throwing him the ball as training camp progresses and the pads come on. The play certainly evoked some positive responses from his teammates on the defensive side of the ball after practice.
"He's definitely a deep threat guy," Chiefs S Jaden Hicks said of Worthy. "He can take the top off. He's going to be a fun watch this year."
Worthy is also playing special teams for the Chiefs
In addition to the plays made on offense, Worthy also worked the return specialist line for special teams coordinator Dave Toub. It was previously indicated that Toub liked what Worthy brought to the table as a return specialist and this certainly confirms it.
Fox 4 Kansas City reporter Harold Kuntz captured Worthy looking in a few returns.
Chiefs fans won't be thrilled about this, especially with injury already derailing a chunk of the first-round draft picks' offseason. However, It looks like special teams will be part of Worthy's responsibilities during his rookie season. Perhaps his role on offense eventually supplants whatever role he may play on special teams in 2024.
Related: UFL teams are betting against several Chiefs rookies with recent college draft selections
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