Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is excited about the potential of rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy, but he is also making it clear that the first-rounder will not be given any preferential treatment.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is eager for rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy to hit the ground running, but he is also making it clear that the first-rounder will not be given any preferential treatment.
"There's no easing [him in],'' Mahomes told reporters this week. "He's going to have to be ready to go. We got a lot of competition on this offense."
Chiefs' Mahomes Eager for Rookie Worthy to Hit the Ground Running
Worthy was on the practice field for the Chiefs rookie minicamp, but he missed a significant portion of the offseason program as he nursed a sore hamstring.
Mahomes credited Worthy for doing some considerable "mental work," but also acknowledged that it was now time for him to shine on the football field.
Chiefs' Mahomes Eager for Rookie Worthy to Hit the Ground Running
"He got a lot of mental work in these last few weeks that he had during OTAs and minicamp, but it's time to go now."
The two-time NFL MVP pointed to the success embattled wide receiver Rashee Rice had last year and said his Chiefs teammates need to anticipate being pushed "to the limit" as regular season preparations ramp up.
Chiefs' Mahomes Eager for Rookie Worthy to Hit the Ground Running
"Y'all saw it with Rashee [Rice] last year and some of the throwing-up days he had. We're going to push you to the limit and prepare yourself to be ready to go for the season. That's not just him. That's everybody and everybody has to have that mentality when they come into camp."
Rice surrendered to authorities in April for his role in a car crash that involved multiple vehicles. He was later released on bond.
In May, police opened an investigation into Rice's alleged role in the striking of a photographer at a nightclub, WFAA reported at the time.
Rice finished his rookie season with 938 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. The NFL has yet to reveal whether Rice will face any disciplinary action. If Rice does end up missing time during the upcoming season, it could open the door for a larger role for Worthy during his rookie year.
The Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5.
Despite Worthy's talent, Mahomes is not going to give him any special treatment. The Chiefs have a lot of competition at the wide receiver position, and Worthy will have to earn his playing time.
Mahomes is excited about Worthy's potential, but he knows that the rookie will have to work hard to earn a significant role on the Chiefs offense.
With his speed and athleticism, Worthy has the potential to be a valuable asset to the Chiefs offense. However, he will need to prove that he can handle the physical and mental demands of playing in the NFL.
If Worthy can meet Mahomes' expectations, he could be a breakout star for the Chiefs in 2024.
