Worthy Led Chiefs Past Raiders in Week 4
Xavier Worthy secured 70 receiving yards as the Chiefs offense adjusted to multiple injuries.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Football
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The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4, fueled by Xavier Worthy who recorded 70 yards on four catches. The win came despite mid-game injuries to wide receivers Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton.
Why it matters
The Chiefs offense was forced to pivot after starters Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton exited the contest with hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively. Xavier Worthy saw an increased target share as a result of these departures.
Xavier Worthy secured 4 of his 7 targets for a total of 70 yards, including a key 41-yard reception. Elsewhere on the field, Jalen Royals contributed by running 21 routes during the victory.
The players
Xavier Worthy
He is an emerging wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs who saw expanded usage following teammate injuries.
Rashee Rice
He is a primary wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs who exited the Week 4 game with a hamstring injury.
Tyquan Thornton
He is a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs who recorded a touchdown before suffering an ankle injury.
Jalen Royals
He is a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs who recorded 21 routes run in the team's victory.
The details
Xavier Worthy stepped into a more prominent role after Rashee Rice left with a hamstring injury and Tyquan Thornton was sidelined by an ankle issue following his short touchdown catch. The coaching staff leaned heavily on the rookie to navigate the remainder of the game.
Timeline
The Chiefs defeated the Raiders during Week 4.
The Chiefs are scheduled for a bye week during Week 5.
The Chiefs return to game action in Week 6.
Season Trajectory
This victory positions the Chiefs to navigate potential personnel deficits by testing the depth of their receiving corps. The expanded roles for Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals could shift the team's offensive identity if injury absences persist into mid-season play.
Xavier Worthy's increased target volume establishes him as a critical waiver-wire add for fantasy managers monitoring the Chiefs' injury report. The departure of both Rice and Thornton suggests a condensed target tree that will heavily favor Worthy during upcoming matchups.
The takeaway
The Chiefs victory highlights the importance of roster depth when primary playmakers are sidelined mid-game. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor injury reports throughout the bye week to determine if these statistical spikes represent a permanent shift in offensive hierarchy.
Further reading
For more analysis on team performance, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Sports.
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