Screenshot via X
Latest tests have revealed how long Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiver Tyquan Thornton will be sidelined for following his devastating ankle injury against the Las Vegas Raiders over the weekend.
Thornton suffered an injury to his ankle in the third quarter of the Chiefs-Raiders game when quarterback Patrick Mahomes found him on a 55-yard play.
While the play has ultimately resulted in a lengthy spell out for Thornton, it was salient in helping seal the 30-27 win for the Chiefs over the Raiders. The two touchdowns and 111 yards on five receptions during the game was a career high for the wide receiver.
“Sucks that he hurt his ankle in that play, but a big play for us to help us go out there and get the win,” Mahomes said during the post-match presser.
Thornton and Mahomes had been building a nascent connection during the first four weeks of the season, recording 11 receptions on 15 targets for 219 yards and two touchdowns.
Tyquan Thornton's Injury Timeline Revealed
Tyquan Thornton
Thornton’s injury originally threatened to rule him out for the remainder of the season, but the latest extensive tests have uncovered a slightly more optimistic estimation of 12 to 16 weeks, giving him a chance at a return to action before the season's up.
On Monday, Ian Rapoport, a lead NFL insider, offered an insight on the severity of Thornton's ankle injury, posting on X: “He’ll have surgery within the week and there is a real chance at a late-season or playoff return."
Patrick Mahomes Celebrates Kansas City Win With Teammates
Patrick Mahomes Celebrates Kansas City Win With Teammates
Patrick Mahomes Sends Message of Support to Tyquan Thornton
Mahomes addressed the injury through the prism of his own experience after he suffered a bad injury last year, emphasising how crucial support is in order to get through the recovery.
“It’s tough because those guys put in so much work, and I was in that spot last year. Everybody puts in so much work to be out there and to play the game they love, and one play can change your season,” Mahomes said.
“For him, he’s putting in all the time and all the work, and had a tough play there. You hope for the best, but at the same time, you want to show them support, because I know how it is when you’re in that position. It’s like the world’s kind of closing in on you, and you want to make sure you support your teammates there.”
The Chiefs will be without Thornton for a significant period, meaning it will fall on players such as Xavier Worthy, Cyrus Allen, and Jalen Royals to fill the void that his absence has created.