Andy Reid did not sugarcoat it. His wide receiver had just produced the best game of his career, had celebrated a 55-yard reception in the fourth quarter, then crumpled to the Allegiant Stadium turf with his left foot pointed the wrong way.
“That’s a rough one,” Reid said after the game, speaking about Tyquan Thornton. “Especially a guy like Tyquan, who’s a great father and all that. His attitude is unbelievable. He’s great for the team and kind of a leader of that group in there.”
Thornton dislocated his left ankle late in the fourth quarter of Kansas City’s 30-27 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, 4 October. Medical staff relocated the joint on the field before he was carted off, unable to put weight on the leg. He is out indefinitely, with a full evaluation set for Kansas City.
A breakout night cut short
The injury came on the sort of play that was supposed to define Thornton’s season, not end it. He had already caught two touchdowns, including an 8-yard score in the fourth quarter, and the 55-yard grab from Patrick Mahomes was his fifth reception of the night. His final line read five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
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Raiders safety Treydan Stukes dragged him down at the end of the catch. Thornton briefly got back to his feet to celebrate before realising the leg would not hold him.
Reid’s initial reaction had been blunter.
“It doesn’t look good,” he said.
The receiver room is thinning
Thornton’s night was not the only one that ended early. Rashee Rice left in the first quarter with a hamstring injury and did not return. The Chiefs are now carrying two significant wide receiver questions into their bye week.
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The Athletic’s Michael Silver reported Sunday that Kansas City could explore a return for Tyreek Hill, who is a free agent. No approach has been confirmed, and no deal is in place.
Thornton to be evaluated in Kansas City
Reid said Thornton flew home with the team and will be evaluated in Kansas City this week. The Chiefs are off this Sunday and return to Arrowhead Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, 18 October, according to the NFL’s own schedule.
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