The Kansas City Chiefs lost one of their top wide receivers to a gruesome injury in Week 4.
Tyquan Thornton sustained a serious injury to his left ankle and had to be carted off the field in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs' win over the Las Vegas Raiders
on Sunday, Oct. 4. Kansas City's receiver had just hauled in a 55-yard pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and was running for the end zone before getting tackled from behind.Thornton's leg got caught underneath Raiders defensive back Treydan Stukes' body as he made the tackle, and the receiver's left foot twisted the wrong direction. Medical staff assisted Thornton on the field before applying an air cast to his left ankle and foot. The cart came out shortly after to take him back to the locker
room.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said after the game that Thornton would undergo further evaluation.
"It doesn't look good," Reid said Oct. 4. "For that to happen, especially with the year he's having. He's been having a phenomenal year to this point. And a great play to boot on top of that. So, it's a tough one to see for all the guys."
(Editor's note: Due to the graphic nature of the injury, we will refrain from sharing the video in this article. Those who wish to see the video replay can view it here.)
Tyquan Thornton ankle injury update
Following further tests on Monday, Thornton is expected to miss 12 to 16 weeks due to his dislocated left ankle, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He will undergo ankle surgery this week, and the Chiefs hope he can return to the field at the end of the regular season or a potential playoff run.
Chiefs WR depth chart
Here's how Kansas City's group of wideouts look this year, ranked by target share through four weeks:
- Xavier Worthy
- Rashee Rice
- Tyquan Thornton
- Jalen Royals
- Cyrus Allen
- Nikko Remigio
Worthy, the Chiefs' 2024 first-round pick, leads his team's receivers room in targets (22) and receptions (14). He still ranks behind tight end Travis Kelce in both statistical categories, but by just one target and two catches.
Rice, the Chiefs' second-round pick in 2023, is usually considered Mahomes' top option at wide receiver. Like Thornton, he sustained an injury in Week 4. The SMU product pulled up with a hamstring injury in the first quarter and never returned. Reid said after the game that Rice "tweaked" his hamstring.
Behind the three top options, Royals and Allen may need to step up in a big way. Remigio, who has only taken snaps as a kick and punt returner this year, could also see an increased role in the offense.
According to multiple reports, the Chiefs have reached out to Tyreek Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, about a possible reunion with the speedster. The 32-year-old spent the last four years with the Dolphins and missed all but the first four games of last season after dislocating his left knee and tearing several ligaments. Miami cut Hill in the offseason, and he is currently a free agent.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tyquan Thornton injury update after Chiefs WR's brutal ankle injury
