NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
Oct 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (2) lies on the field with an apparent injury as quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15), wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) look on against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Kansas City Chiefs remained undefeated on Sunday in NFL Week 4, winning 30-27 over the Las Vegas Raiders, but the victory came at a significant cost.
“You okay?” “Bro look at my ankle” https://t.co/SXElgDvDrD
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) October 5, 2026
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton suffered a gruesome left ankle injury late in the fourth quarter after making a huge 55-yard reception, leaving his teammates visibly shaken. One teammate couldn’t even look at Thornton’s ankle once he was made aware of the injury.
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Thornton suffered injury after huge play
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
Oct 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (2) is carted off the field with an apparent injury against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Thornton was having the best game of his Chiefs career before the injury. He finished with five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns, including the 55-yard reception that set Kansas City up deep in Raiders territory. Thornton appeared ready to celebrate the big play before realizing something was seriously wrong with his ankle.
The wide receiver was eventually carted from the field with his left leg in an air cast. The injury was later reported as a dislocated ankle, with team doctors putting it back into place. Thornton is expected to undergo further evaluation, including an MRI and a second opinion.
The timing was particularly cruel considering how well Thornton had played throughout the afternoon.
Chiefs teammates rally around Thornton
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
Oct 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A Kansas City Chiefs trainer holds the left ankle of wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (not pictured) after an apparent injury against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Patrick Mahomes was among the Chiefs players who immediately expressed support for Thornton following the injury.
“First off, I’m just praying for him,” Mahomes said after the game, adding that he hoped Thornton would come back healthy.
Head coach Andy Reid also made it clear how difficult the injury was for the entire team. Reid described Thornton as a great teammate and leader who was having a phenomenal season.
Thornton’s injury could be a major blow for Kansas City’s offense. He entered the game with six catches for 108 yards before adding another 111 yards and two touchdowns Sunday, giving him 11 receptions for 219 yards and two touchdowns on the season.
The Chiefs also lost Rashee Rice to a hamstring injury during the game, meaning Kansas City could potentially be without two important pieces of its receiving corps moving forward.
For now, Thornton’s long-term outlook remains unclear. But after the breakout performance he delivered against Las Vegas, the injury was an especially painful way for an outstanding afternoon to end.
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