When reporters were allowed to watch the first open practice of the Kansas City Chiefs’ organized team activities (OTAs) on Thursday, the presence of wide receiver Xavier Worthy loomed large. As a rookie during last year’s OTAs, Worthy was largely sidelined while recovering from a hamstring injury.

But even though he wasn’t participating, he was learning.

“Mentally,” the second-year pro explained after practice, “I feel like I’m the same as last year. It’s just the physical aspect. Last year, I was hurt — and this year, I’m kind of getting into it and I’ve got a better feel for things.”

This time around, Worthy is fully participating after acquiring a wealth of experience in head coach Andy Reid’s playbook. He believes that is making a difference.

“I understand the offense,” Worthy declared. “I feel way more comfortable just being out there. I understand it. I don’t have to really think a lot. I [can] just be on the fly.”

During his initial offseason, Worthy got very limited time to practice with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, so he appreciates the opportunity OTAs provide to build that connection.

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

“It feels good to be able to get this experience,” he observed. “Last year, I was hurt with a hamstring. So — just to have this role and this level of just extra training — it’s good to get that kind of rapport with him.”

Even with a season of experience, there is still more to learn about playing with the league’s best quarterback.

“[It’s about] just understanding what he wants and how he wants it,” said Worthy. “Really, last year was kind of just rushing things in training camp. I just kind of got thrown in the fire in training camp, so [I’m] just learning what he likes — and what fits best [with] what we do.”

Even with his truncated 2024 offseason, Worthy developed in Reid’s offense. He finished his rookie campaign with 742 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. Starting in Week 10, Worthy had at least four receptions in every game.

Although most Chiefs fans would prefer to forget the team’s crushing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, Worthy’s 157 receiving yards (and two touchdowns) were a bright spot.

“The end of last year was kind of like a stepping stone for me,” he stated, “just learning and kind of getting a better feel for what Pat likes. I started feeling like that got better at the end of the year.”

Mahomes also spoke on Thursday, admitting that he had some things to learn about Worthy, too.

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

“I think the biggest thing I learned with more opportunities,” the face of the league recalled, “is he’s not just fast. He can make plays. You saw that with some of the contested catches that he made kind of towards the end of the season. If you think back to the Bills game — or even the last catch he had in the Super Bowl — he’s someone that will go up and make a play on the football.

“So, my job is to give him more opportunities. Even when he’s running with somebody and it’s one-on-one, [I have to] throw the ball to let him go up there and make a play.”

Worthy expects he’ll continue playing as well as he did during the second half of last season.

“It kind of just showed what’s here to come in the future,” he predicted.