Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (2) waves as he is carted off the field after...
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (2) waves as he is carted off the field after an injury during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/John Locher)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - After a gruesome injury cut short the best game of his career, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton is now preparing for surgery later this week that could give him a chance to return this season.
According to ESPN and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Thornton suffered a dislocated ankle in Sunday’s 30-27 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The injury, which happened as Thornton was tackled on a critical 55-yard gain late in the fourth quarter, will require surgery “within the week,” according to Rapaport. Extensive tests were conducted Monday on Thornton’s ankle after his ankle was put back into place by team doctors and he was able to fly home to Kansas City with his teammates.
“Tyquan Thornton is expected back within 12 to 16 weeks,” Rapaport said sources told him. “He’ll have surgery within the week and there is a real chance at a late-season or playoff return.”
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) talks with wide receiver Tyquan Thornton...
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) talks with wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (2) as he is carted off the field with an injury during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Thornton’s chances for a late-season or playoff return could be critical for a Chiefs team that is 4-0 heading into its Week 5 bye. Kansas City is currently the only undefeated team in the AFC, and holds at least a two-game lead over multiple teams in the AFC West.
This season, Thornton had emerged as a premier deep threat connection for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In four games, he totaled 11 receptions for 219 yards and a pair of touchdowns, which both came in Sunday’s win over Las Vegas.
Thornton already produced half of his yardage total from his first full season with Kansas City through four games.
Kansas City is also dealing with a hamstring tweak for wide receiver Rashee Rice, who exited Sunday’s win early in the first quarter. Rapaport said Rice will use the bye week to recover and could return in Week 6.