The Kansas City Chiefs have battled plenty of injuries at wide receiver over the last couple of seasons, and after one game in this new campaign, they are dealing with yet another one. Xavier Worthy did not last long before a friendly-fire collision led to him suffering a shoulder injury. No new update was given after the game, though Worthy is set to undergo an MRI.
The Chiefs were able to hit on some explosive passes down the field. In a game that was not very pretty for Kansas City, at least they completed some of the deeper balls that they are looking to reinforce for the offense this season. One player who had a deep catch was Tyquan Thornton.
Thornton had a 38-yard reception on a deep corner route near the sideline. His speed is well documented, and Thornton has the ability to stack vertically. With those traits in mind, his potential sparks become even more pressing if Worthy were to miss any time with the shoulder injury.
Tyquan Thornton’s big play ability already making a key impact for the #Chiefs. Huge grab to help KC pull within a score.pic.twitter.com/2nYdolPHen https://t.co/SgmJz70lZ1
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 6, 2025
Hollywood Brown (10) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (5) led the Chiefs’ wide receivers in catches on the night. But against the Chargers, Tyquan Thornton was still extremely noticeable. He was able to shake free on some routes, even if the ball did not come his way. He also had an impressive kickoff return. However, a penalty on Kansas City wiped out what would have been a 42-yard return.
The Chiefs have had success in bringing in former top draft choices. With Thornton likely having an extra chip on his shoulder given how the New England stint went, he is looking to find consistent footing. Opportunity was already going to come in spurts for him throughout this season. But now, with an early injury and with Rashee Rice still missing five more games, Thornton has a shot to truly step up.
Trust and belief in executing assignments can be difficult to earn in the Chiefs’ offense for skill players. That can be as challenging as ever at the wide receiver spot. But with how Thornton performed in training camp and the preseason, he continued to stack positive days together.
His flashes in Brazil against the Chargers can only increase the team’s confidence in this wide receiver. That should lead to increased chances and instilled hope for Tyquan Thornton in this upcoming stretch. If Worthy is down for any significant portion of the next month or so, Thornton can be a main source of explosive shots for Patrick Mahomes.