The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2024 season with high hopes for their revamped wide receiver core. Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown were expected to lead a group reshuffled in the offseason, aiming to avoid the offensive struggles from a season ago. The team envisioned an explosive offense, supported by key additions and rising talents, to fuel a potential three-peat campaign.
However, through five weeks, things have not gone as planned. Injuries to Rice and Brown have forced the Chiefs to rely on less-heralded receivers like rookie Xavier Worthy and veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster. Despite a 5-0 record heading into their bye week, the wide receiver group has contributed to the success, but question marks remain about their long-term impact.
Kansas City Chiefs: Injuries and Early Season Struggles
The Kansas City Chiefs’ original plan centered around a dynamic trio of Rice, Brown, and rookie Worthy, with Skyy Moore and Mecole Hardman in complementary roles. Yet, injuries to Rice and Brown have pushed Kansas City to lean on other options sooner than expected. Worthy has stepped up, while Smith-Schuster, a late addition from the Patriots, has proven to be a valuable veteran presence.
Through five weeks, Worthy leads the team’s wide receiver group with 179 yards and two touchdowns on 12 receptions. Smith-Schuster follows with 147 yards and a touchdown on nine catches, and Justin Watson adds 87 yards. Hardman has only 33 yards, and Moore has yet to record a catch. While their limited production isn’t surprising, unless the Chiefs bring in another receiver or shift to a more tight-end-focused, run-heavy offense—which worked well against the Saints—Moore and Hardman will need to contribute more moving forward.
In terms of snap counts, Worthy has played 63.7% of the team’s offensive snaps, leading the group. Watson follows with 55.5%, Smith-Schuster with 45.4%, Moore with 14.5%, and Hardman rounds it out at 6.5%. The playing time disparity reflects the pecking order early in the season, with Worthy and Smith-Schuster being the most consistent contributors.
Week-by-Week Performance Breakdown
In Week 1 against the Ravens, Worthy made an immediate impact. The rookie scored both a rushing and receiving touchdown, becoming only the second player in NFL history to do so in his debut. His performance helped the Kansas City Chiefs secure a 27-20 win, while Watson contributed a 25-yard reception. Smith-Schuster, Moore, and Hardman were all non-factors offensively.
Then, Week 2 against the Bengals was quieter for the group. With Rice leading the air attack, Worthy managed two catches for 17 yards, and Watson added two for 22 yards. None of the other receivers, including Smith-Schuster, Hardman, and Moore, made a notable impact.
In Week 3 against the Falcons, Smith-Schuster found the end zone for the first time, scoring a touchdown with 17 yards on two catches. Worthy added two more receptions for 17 yards, and Watson had one catch for 13 yards. Once again, Hardman and Moore failed to register any statistical contributions.
Injuries Force Adjustments
Week 4 brought the most significant shift in the Kansas City Chiefs’ receiving corps. Rashee Rice suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Chargers, forcing the remaining receivers to pick up the slack in his absence. Worthy responded to the challenge with three catches for 73 yards, including Kansas City’s only receiving touchdown. Watson added two receptions for 27 yards, but Smith-Schuster and the others were held in check. With Rice now out, the burden has fallen on Worthy and Smith-Schuster to carry the passing attack.
In Week 5, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense delivered its best performance in a 26-13 victory over the Saints. Smith-Schuster had a breakout game, catching seven passes for 130 yards—half of what he tallied in 11 games with the Patriots last year. Worthy remained consistent with three receptions for 25 yards, and Hardman contributed his most productive game of the season with four catches for 33 yards.
Though Skyy Moore remained without any stats for another week, head coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in his potential, saying, “Sky is a good football player. He’s given us some good downs. He had the one drop yesterday on the third down. He knows he has to make it, but he’s given us some good downs over these four games. So we’re OK.”
What Lies Ahead
As the Kansas City Chiefs spend this week on their bye, the wide receiver room remains a work in progress. With Rice and Brown sidelined, Worthy and Smith-Schuster will continue to take on larger roles. While Worthy has shown flashes of brilliance, his consistency remains in question. Smith-Schuster’s strong performance against the Saints is encouraging, but it’s uncertain if he can sustain that level of play for the remainder of the regular and potential post-season run.
The Chiefs’ front office may need to consider moves before the trade deadline if the current group doesn’t maintain its performance. Rumors suggest that general manager Brett Veach should look into adding another receiver. Until then, Kansas City will rely on its current core, hoping it can meet the demands of the upcoming schedule.
Final Thoughts
The Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver situation has been a rollercoaster through five weeks. What began as a promising group led by Rice and Brown has become a patchwork group of rookies and veterans. While the team remains unbeaten, the wide receiver corps’ inconsistency could become a concern as the season progresses.
However, with Patrick Mahomes at the helm, Kansas City has consistently shown the ability to overcome adversity. Whether this wide receiver group can rise to the challenge and deliver over the coming weeks will be key in determining if the Chiefs can continue their push for another Super Bowl.
