One Chiefs Receiver Is Putting on a Show at Practice. Don’t Sleep on Him in 2026.

The Kansas City Chiefs have about two months before they kick off the 2026 season, and for the first time in a while, there are real questions about whether Patrick Mahomes will be ready. He tore his ACL late last season, and the team missed the playoffs entirely. That part of the story is well worn by now.

But there is a different story forming out at practice this summer. One that could change how the offense looks when Mahomes does get back.

According to Jesse Newell of The Athletic, wide receiver Xavier Worthy has been the clear standout in offseason workouts. If there was a summer practice MVP, Newell says it would be Worthy. The reason is simple: he and Mahomes already look in sync. They have chemistry that wasn’t there last season, partly because Worthy was playing hurt and the team kept his route tree limited.

Worthy played through a torn labrum last year. Coach Andy Reid confirmed the injury forced the coaching staff to dial back what they asked him to do. Worthy got surgery after the season ended and is expected to be at full strength for Week 1.

This is a guy who has always had elite speed. That was never the question. The question was whether he could stay on the field and build a real connection with Mahomes. Last year, there was a weird play in the first game where he and Travis Kelce had a miscommunication, Kelce ran right into him, and Worthy got knocked out of the game against the Chargers. That kind of thing set his whole season back.

Now, entering his third year, Worthy looks like a different player. He is refining his routes. He is not just relying on the fast-twitch stuff that made him a first-round pick. Friends of the team have noted that he seems more comfortable in the offense, more willing to run the full route tree without hesitation.

The Chiefs need this. They need someone to step up and take pressure off Travis Kelce, who isn’t getting any younger. They need a legitimate deep threat to keep safeties honest. Worthy might be that guy. He is the most obvious breakout candidate on the roster right now.

Kansas City opens the 2026 season at home against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, September 14. Whether Mahomes is 100 percent by then or not, the offense is going to need Worthy to be more than just a gadget player. Based on what we have heard out of practice? He looks ready for that.