Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy quickly helps pick up the slack vs. Chargers in wake of WR Rashee Rice's injury

Things didn't get off to the greatest start for the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

A pair of turnovers caused chaos for the Chiefs in the first half, including a serious injury to WR Rashee Rice caused by friendly fire from QB Patrick Mahomes . Things looked grim until Kansas City got the ball back with just over four minutes remaining in the second quarter. They got a big play at an opportune moment from a player who the team really needed to show up.

On the first play from scrimmage for Kansas City, rookie WR Xavier Worthy ran straight into the end zone and Mahomes uncorked a 54-yard shot for a much-needed touchdown grab. Check it out:

It was Worthy's only target of the day and the defender was even flagged for pass interference. He still managed to haul in the pass and put some points on the board, cutting the Chargers' lead to just three points.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats this play was also a first for Mahomes. The 62.2 air yards on the play was the longest-distance completion by air in No. 15's entire NFL career. For Worthy, the 21.46 mph speed reached on the play was the third-fastest by any ball carrier during the 2024 NFL season.

He's already made his mark on the Week 4 game in a single play. However, If Rice is out for an extended period, the Chiefs will need players like Worthy to pick up the slack for the long haul. Rice worked the center of the field, but if Worthy can become a consistent deep play threat, it'd really open up things for the rest of the offense as they try to get things operating smoothly without Hollywood Brown, Isiah Pacheco and now Rice.

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