Despite being just four weeks in, the 2026/2027 NFL season has been plagued by some nasty injuries, injuries which have already ended the season of some players.
Jaxson Dart, one of the league's most promising young quarterbacks, suffered a season-ending knee injury which caused damage to his MCL, PCL, and meniscus. One of the league's many to fall to an injury early on.
The list doesn't end at Jaxson Dart, both De'Von Achane and Brian Burns have suffered ACL tears, Jayden Reed will require significant neck surgery, Zach Bako-Bewle is out for the season due to knee surgery, and there's already many, many more.
The injuries did not come to a halt in week four. In fact, the Kansas City Chiefs were impacted by what some are saying is 'one of the most disgusting injuries of all time.'
Tyquan Thornton Suffers Nasty Injury vs Las Vegas Raiders
Tyquan Thornton
Tyquan Thornton
Tyquan Thornton
Tyquan Thornton
Close
Tyquan Thornton
Screenshot via X
Tyquan Thornton
Screenshot via X
Tyquan Thornton
Screenshot via X
Tyquan Thornton
Screenshot via X
Tyquan Thornton
Tyquan Thornton
Tyquan Thornton
Tyquan Thornton
Tyquan Thornton
Tyquan Thornton
Tyquan Thornton
Tyquan Thornton
During the fourth quarter of their 30-27 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Patrick Mahomes saw his opportunity to launch the ball downfield as Tyquan Thornton made his way towards the end zone.
The 26-year-old wide receiver had already recorded two touchdowns earlier in the game, and now he found himself open downfield as his teammate threw the ball towards him.
Thornton made the catch, and, in usual fashion, he continued towards the end zone. However, he stumbled when making the catch, which allowed the Raiders' safety, Treydon Stukes, to catch up with him.
The Chiefs wide receiver was able to make his way towards the end zone. He took the ball 55 yards and down to the Raiders' five-yard line before Stukes made the tackle and landed awkwardly on the ankle of Thornton.
Thornton, likely due to the immense adrenaline rush after making a huge play with the Chiefs down 17-19 with just minutes on the clock, immediately tried to rise to his feet to celebrate the huge gain.
That moment was when he realised his season had taken a drastic turn. The receiver rose to his feet to begin his celebration before he noticed his left foot could not withstand his own pressure.
Then, in some gruesome footage caught by the NFL's TV cameras, fans spotted Thornton's foot pointing in the wrong direction as he fell down to the ground in pain.
The 26-year-old's left foot was pointing in the completely wrong direction after the tackle, suggesting that his ankle may have been completely broken during the tackle from Stukes.
Since seeing the moment, many fans took to social media to send their best wishes to the Kansas City Chiefs player, with many reacting to the injury with complete shock.
One fan said: "Prayers for Thornton. This was one of the most disgusting injuries ever man."
In response to seeing the video, another fan replied: "That replay was ROUGH, man. Praying Thornton heals up right. Never wanna see that on the field, genuinely hope he is good."
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Related
"Bro had two touchdowns and was about to be a big part of the programme. Sad to see an athlete like that end it early, but god's plan," one fan said as they reflected on Thornton's impressive performance against the Raiders, a team who were undefeated heading into the match-up.
Tyquan Thornton left the field with 111 receiving yards on five receptions from eight total targets. He also recorded two receiving touchdowns and 45 yards after catch, with his final 55-yard reception being his longest of the night.
The damage that Thornton suffered during the game looked significant, the length it will keep him off the field is currently unknown. However, with his foot facing in the wrong direction, it didn't look promising for the wide receiver's ankle.