Chiefs’ Rookie Xavier Worthy Impresses as NFL Preseason Heats Up; Fantasy Implications for Kirk, Kmet, and Titans’ Backfield

Kansas City, Mo. – NFL preseason is underway, and the Kansas City Chiefs are making headlines with their new wide receiver, Xavier Worthy. During organized team activities on Friday, June 7, 2024, Worthy showed promising signs by playing four out of six snaps with the starters. With notable veterans in the lineup, Worthy was featured alongside Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown during the game. Brown, unfortunately, suffered a shoulder injury, raising concerns he may miss the start of the regular season. This could potentially allow Worthy to take on a bigger role in the Chiefs’ offense.

In other news around the league, there is growing concern regarding Christian Kirk‘s role with the Jacksonville Jaguars. For the second preseason in a row, Kirk didn’t play in 12 personnel, which showed a shift in how the Jaguars plan to utilize their wide receivers. During the Jaguars’ first drive, Kirk was only involved in 11 personnel, indicating that he may have a reduced role this season compared to last year. His targets may also diminish with new additions Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis taking over some playing time.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are implementing a new offensive strategy under their new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. He is bringing a familiar tight end rotation from his time with the Seattle Seahawks, signaling that Gerald Everett seems to be ahead of Cole Kmet in the rotation. This may impact both players’ fantasy projections for the upcoming season.

The Tennessee Titans are also turning heads, as both Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard shared snaps in key roles during their Week 1 preseason game. Their rotation offers flexibility on the field, but it could lead to unpredictability for fantasy managers trying to pin down who might get the most snaps.

As teams finalize their rosters and strategies, preseason games are giving fans and fantasy players a first look at how these squads plan to line up for the upcoming season. Keep an eye on player developments, especially as injuries and positional changes could significantly impact the regular season.