Watch: Travis Kelce Weighs in on Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs Season After ACL Tear
Tyquan Thornton got a down—in more ways than one.
The Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver earned the team some major yardage (55, to be exact) and a first down after catching the ball from Patrick Mahomes during the team’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 4.
And while all seemed well after he was tackled from behind by Treydan Stukes at the 5-yeard line, with Thornton even starting to stand up, his left ankle collapsed under him as soon as he tried to put weight on it.
The 26-year-old immediately sat back down, his left ankle at an unnatural angle.
Medical staff rushed to Thornton’s side before he was placed onto the bed of the injury cart and brought off the field for further care. Even then, his game brought to a painful halt, Thornton pointed to a finger at the sky in triumph.
And his sacrifice was not in vain, with the Kansas City Chiefs ultimately eking out a 30-27 victory over the Nevada team, its fourth of the NFL season.
As for the specifics of Thornton’s injury, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the wide receiver suffered a dislocated ankle that doctors put back in place.
“Thornton will have a full evaluation in the morning, along with a second opinion,” he continued in his Oct. 4 message on X. “Out indefinitely, but in good spirits.”
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After all, as Rapoport pointed out, the game was an all-time best for the Baylor alum who signed with the Chiefs in early 2025. Prior to his injury, Thornton scored two touchdowns and earned the team 111 yards.
But despite the physical setback, Thornton was maintaining a positive outlook.
“Love this team! 4-0 baby,” he wrote on X after the game. “I’ll be back stronger & better.”
It was a sentiment he echoed on Instagram, writing, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step!”
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The post was soon filled with positive wishes from fans and teammates alike, with Mahomes writing “my dawg” alongside a prayer hands emoji and Travis Kelce adding, “All we make is big plays!!!!”
Their coach Andy Reid also addressed the injury, expressing his regret.
“His attitude is unbelievable,” Reid said of Thornton, per ESPN. “He’s great for the team and kind of a leader of that [receivers] group. For that to happen, especially with the year he’s having, he’s had a phenomenal year to this point, it’s a tough one to see for all of the guys.”
For more athletes and celebrities who have experienced scary accidents, read on.
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