The Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver Xavier Worthy demonstrated significant progress during the team’s first open practice of organized team activities (OTAs) this Thursday. After a rookie season slowed by a hamstring injury, Worthy is now fully engaged and eager to build on his early career success while improving his connection with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Worthy, now in his second year, highlighted both the mental and physical strides he has made since last year’s limited offseason participation. His focus on understanding the Chiefs’ offense better is paving the way for a more confident presence on the field.

Increased Comfort with Chiefs’ Offensive System

During the practice session, Worthy explained that although mentally he felt similar to last year, the crucial difference lies in his physical readiness. Last year, the hamstring injury held him back, but now, he is immersing himself fully in the team’s activities. He described a deeper understanding of the offense, allowing him to react and perform instinctively rather than overthinking plays.

I feel like I’m the same as last year. It’s just the physical aspect. Last year, I was hurt — and this year, I’m kind of getting into it and I’ve got a better feel for things.

—Xavier Worthy, Wide Receiver

I understand the offense. I feel way more comfortable just being out there. I understand it. I don’t have to really think a lot. I [can] just be on the fly.

—Xavier Worthy, Wide Receiver

OTAs Provide Crucial Reps with Patrick Mahomes

One challenge for Worthy during his rookie year was limited practice time with Patrick Mahomes due to injury. Now, during OTAs, he values the opportunity to build rapport with the star quarterback, recognizing how vital this chemistry is to his development as a receiver.

It feels good to be able to get this experience,

Worthy remarked.

Last year, I was hurt with a hamstring. So — just to have this role and this level of just extra training — it’s good to get that kind of rapport with him.

—Xavier Worthy, Wide Receiver

Worthy admitted that there is still a learning curve when it comes to anticipating Mahomes’ preferences on the field. During his first training camp, Worthy was quickly thrust into high-pressure situations, but he is now better prepared to understand Mahomes’ style and how plays fit into the Chiefs’ offense.

[It’s about] just understanding what he wants and how he wants it,

Worthy said.

Really, last year was kind of just rushing things in training camp. I just kind of got thrown in the fire in training camp, so [I’m] just learning what he likes — and what fits best [with] what we do.

—Xavier Worthy, Wide Receiver

Building on a Promising Rookie Season

Worthy’s impact grew steadily throughout his first season. Despite a slow start, he recorded 742 yards from scrimmage and nine total touchdowns by the end of the year. Starting in Week 10, he consistently caught at least four passes each game, culminating in an impressive Super Bowl appearance. While the Chiefs fell short against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, Worthy’s performance stood out with 157 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

The end of last year was kind of like a stepping stone for me,

he reflected.

just learning and kind of getting a better feel for what Pat likes. I started feeling like that got better at the end of the year.

—Xavier Worthy, Wide Receiver

Patrick Mahomes Recognizes Worthy’s Playmaking Ability

Patrick Mahomes himself acknowledged in the same OTAs session that he has been learning more about Worthy’s strengths as they have spent more time together. Mahomes praised Worthy’s speed and his ability to make difficult contested catches, signaling the quarterback’s intent to involve him more in future plays.

I think the biggest thing I learned with more opportunities,

Mahomes explained,

is he’s not just fast. He can make plays. You saw that with some of the contested catches that he made kind of towards the end of the season. If you think back to the Bills game — or even the last catch he had in the Super Bowl — he’s someone that will go up and make a play on the football.

So, my job is to give him more opportunities. Even when he’s running with somebody and it’s one-on-one, [I have to] throw the ball to let him go up there and make a play.

—Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback

Outlook for Worthy’s Upcoming Season

Worthy is optimistic about carrying forward the momentum from the latter part of his rookie season into the upcoming challenges. He sees his growth as an indication of even greater success ahead, suggesting that the finishing stretch of his first year offers a preview of his potential.

It kind of just showed what’s here to come in the future,

Worthy predicted. —Xavier Worthy, Wide Receiver

As the Chiefs prepare for the next season, Worthy’s expanded role and improved understanding of the offense could significantly enhance the team’s passing attack. With continued development and strong collaboration with Mahomes under head coach Andy Reid, Worthy is positioned to be a key contributor moving forward.