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Travis Kelce takes blame for collision on play that caused Xavier Worthy injury: 'I just gotta be better'

The Kansas City Chiefs are already in recovery mode after Week 1. The team is not only trying to move past its loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, but is also trying to adjust to life without 2024 first-round pick Xavier Worthy.

Worthy — a popular breakout candidate — was lost just a few snaps into the team's Week 1 game due to a shoulder injury. Worthy was injured thanks to friendly fire, as tight end Travis Kelce collided with the receiver while the two were running crossing routes.

Kelce took responsibility for the injury Wednesday. During his weekly appearance on his podcast — "New Heights" — Kelce said he's "just gotta be better."

"I'll take the most accountability myself. I wasn't ready that first drive. I ran into one of my guys and offed him out of the game. I literally took one of my players out. That's one of the most frustrating parts. And it's hard to get your juices back going knowing you hurt a guy.

"I'm supposed to be running my route at depth for Worthy. It's frustrating for me. I was trying to kinda set up my guy to be able to get in a position to ... it all just happened pretty quick. I just gotta be better, man. I'm 13 years in the league. There's no excuse for me running into my own guys like that."

Kelce said he wasn't sure how much time Worthy would miss due to the injury, but added that he hoped Worthy could return as soon as possible to help the team.

Worthy reportedly sustained a dislocated shoulder as a result of the hit. It was reported over the weekend that he was seeking a second opinion on the injury, but could return to action this season and play with a brace.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid didn't get into specifics on Worthy's injury Monday, but did say the receiver was "day-to-day," a sign Worthy could try and rehab through the injury and eventually return this season.

Though Kelce admitted it was tough for him to lock back in following the injury, he made up for the play later. Kelce hauled in a 37-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to bring the Chiefs back within two points. Despite Kelce's efforts, Kansas City's comeback attempt ultimately fell short, as the team lost 27-21.

Getting back on track following that loss won't be easy. The Chiefs will take on the defending-champion Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl LIX rematch in Week 2. Worthy played a big role in the team's Super Bowl loss, hauling in eight catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns.