The Kansas City Chiefs have spent much of the season trying to find the right balance in their passing attack. Injuries and changes across the receiving corps have forced players into roles that do not always suit their strengths.

The arrival of Josh Downs gives Patrick Mahomes another option, but it could also change how Kansas City uses one of its fastest playmakers. ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers believes that adjustment could be exactly what Xavier Worthy needs.

Jordan Rodgers Explains How Josh Downs Trade Could Help Xavier Worthy

Rodgers believes the Chiefs should stop asking Worthy to handle so many routes over the middle and return him to the responsibilities that made him dangerous.

Speaking on ESPN’s “Get Up,” the former undrafted NFL quarterback said Downs’ route-running ability could take pressure off Worthy and allow Kansas City’s receivers to operate in more suitable roles.

“I think what it does, though, is it allows them to use Worthy as the guy that he is, the gadget guy and the take-the-top-off guy, too. Too much right now, they’re using him over the middle of the field to try to run routes and get open. That’s not really who he is,” Rodgers said.

He pointed to Downs’ ability to create separation on intermediate routes as a major reason for the change. Rodgers added, “Josh Downs… is fourth in the NFL in getting open 10-plus, 20-plus, and 10 to 20 yards. So, he creates separation. I think it kind of allows everybody else to fall into their natural roles as well.”

Downs gives Kansas City a receiver who can work through the middle and win against man coverage. He is ranked 37th on PFN’s WR Impact Metric and has caught 33 passes for 354 yards and a touchdown this season with Indianapolis. His separation skills could give Mahomes a reliable option on shorter and intermediate throws.

That would allow Worthy to return to a more specialized role on the perimeter. Kansas City could use his 4.21-second speed on deep routes while creating touches through motion, jet sweeps, and quick screens. With Tyquan Thornton on injured reserve after dislocating his left ankle and tearing ligaments, Worthy remains one of Kansas City’s primary vertical threats.

His production has been limited in his current role. Worthy has 33 receptions for 278 yards and a touchdown through eight games, averaging 8.4 yards per catch. This marks a drop from his 12.7-yard average in 2025.

There is one immediate concern, however. Worthy suffered a left hamstring injury late in Kansas City’s Week 9 win over the New York Jets. Earlier this week, he was listed as day-to-day, but on Wednesday, head coach Andy Reid told reporters that Worthy was “actually feeling pretty good” ahead of the Week 10 game against Atlanta.

Downs could see an increased workload alongside Rashee Rice if Worthy misses time. But if Worthy plays, the Chiefs could have a more balanced receiving rotation, with Downs handling intermediate routes and Worthy focusing on his speed and designed touches.

Rodgers’s argument is that Kansas City does not need to change what makes Worthy dangerous. It needs to use him in situations that suit his strengths.