NFL Hands Down Hefty Decision to Chiefs Star Xavier Worthy
The Kansas City Chiefs shut out the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, October 19, with a 31-0 final score, not even allowing the Raiders to get one point on the board. The statistics from the game say it all. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes finished the showdown with 286 passing yards, three touchdowns, a 74.3 completion percentage and 28 rushing yards, according to ESPN research. On top of that, he completed a pass to nine different receivers.
Kansas City also outgained the Raiders in yardage 434-94, in first-downs 30-3 and in time of possession by nearly 25 minutes, according to NFL research and Stat Muse. The Chiefs also went 9-of-15 on third-down, while the Raiders were 0-of-7. So, it was a good day for the Chiefs and a bad one for the Raiders.
But, one negative that came out of that game for the Chiefs is that wide receiver Xavier Worthy got into trouble with the NFL. Every week during the regular NFL season, the league penalizes players for their actions in the previous week’s games. The NFL notes on their website that these actions are “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity, the NFL and NFL Players Association have agreed on a set of game-related rules violations that may result in accountability measures.” The new tally of players getting slapped with NFL punishments goes up every Saturday afternoon.
Xavier Worthy of the Kansas City Chiefs in Hot Water
In the NFL’s report for Week 7, Worthy was given a $11,593 fine for “taunting” and “unsportsmanlike conduct.” During that incident, during the third quarter of the game, with 10 minutes and 10 seconds remaining on the clock, Mahomes threw a pass to Worthy for a 12-yard first down and drew a defensive holding penalty on Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes. Following the play, Worthy celebrated by staring down the defender, but the refs didn’t call a taunting penalty. From there, Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco scored a touchdown during that drive making the Chiefs’ lead to 28-0.
https://x.com/MattWaugh7/status/1979981851914616997
So, the refs didn’t call a penalty on Worthy during the game, but the NFL thought enough of it after the game to slap him with a fine. According to the NFL, those fines will go to the Professional Athletes Foundation to “support legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.”
Las Vegas Raiders Player Also Penalized by the NFL
One Raiders player was also given a fine from the NFL for his actions during the Chiefs game. Isaiah Pola-Mao was slapped with a hefty $17,278 fine for “use of the helmet” and “unnecessary roughness” during the game.
The Kansas City Chiefs have some more time to go until they finally get a week off. Their NFL bye week lands on Week 10 for the 2025-26 season. They’re gaining back their momentum in the league this season, with Nick Shook of the NFL’s official website saying, “The Chiefs are back, and Patrick Mahomes is driving this Ferrari. He was stellar in Kansas City’s dominant showing against Las Vegas and has already reestablished his connection with Rashee Rice, who returned from suspension last week.” He also said the Chiefs are “AFC darlings” again.
Eagles activate training camp standout from IR
The Philadelphia Eagles will look to get back on track against the New York Giants in Week 8, but veteran defensive lineman Brandon Graham won’t be suiting up just yet. The longtime Eagle recently came out of retirement to rejoin the team, but he will not play this Sunday, and his absence isn’t due to injury.
Given that Graham has only just returned after stepping away earlier this year, it’s understandable that he’s not ready for game action. The 36-year-old will need time to regain conditioning before making his season debut. When he does, Philadelphia hopes he can provide the same veteran presence and pass-rush spark that defined his previous seasons.
“Of course, I believe in the team,” Graham said on his podcast after announcing his un-retirement. “That’s a big part of it, too. I think they got everything they need. I want to add more value.”
The Eagles have dealt with several defensive line changes in recent weeks. Za’Darius Smith briefly joined the team but unexpectedly retired, while young pass rusher Nolan Smith was placed on injured reserve with a triceps injury. Graham’s decision to return was seen as a key morale boost for a locker room that’s been tested through early adversity.
Adding to the positive developments, the Eagles officially activated wide receiver Darius Cooper from injured reserve this week. The team announced the move on its official X account, writing:
“We’ve activated WR Darius Cooper from Injured Reserve.” Cooper, a training camp standout before suffering a lower-body injury, had impressed coaches with his route-running and versatility. His return could provide Jalen Hurts with another reliable option in the passing game, particularly as the offense continues to adjust without DeVonta Smith, who remains sidelined.
We’ve activated WR Darius Cooper from Injured Reserve. pic.twitter.com/rIdgHmnLXa
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 25, 2025
Off the field, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie also made headlines by praising quarterback Jalen Hurts’ mindset and leadership. “If you can’t block out most of the noise, you’re not going to maximally perform,” Lurie told NFL insider Ian Rapoport. “And Jalen is one of those where, the more noise there is, the better he performs.”
Philadelphia enters Week 8 with a 5-2 record, driven by Hurts’ continued excellence and the team’s resilient culture. With Darius Cooper returning and Graham working toward full readiness, the Eagles are quietly reloading for a potential second-half surge in the NFC.
