Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton suffered a gruesome ankle injury while helping Kansas City to a dramatic win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
With the Chiefs trailing 17-19 late in the fourth quarter, Patrick Mahomes connected with Thornton for a pivotal 55-yard pass that took Kansas City into the red zone.
However, the Chiefs’ excitement soon turned to despair after the damage to Thornton’s left leg became apparent.
For a moment, he appeared unaware he was hurt – the wide receiver climbed to his feet and began to celebrate before collapsing back to the turf. Moments later, Thornton pointed frantically at his ankle as teammate George Karlaftis came to his aid.
Thornton had been tackled from behind by Raiders safety Treydan Stukes and following the collision, his ankle was pointing in the wrong direction. Legendary CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz warned squeamish fans not to look.
After several worrying minutes, Thornton was carted off the field as players from both teams knelt in prayer. Later on Sunday night, NFL Network reported that the receiver suffered a dislocated ankle that was put back in place by medical staff.
Tyquan Thornton suffered a gruesome ankle injury in the Chiefs’ dramatic win over the Raiders
Patrick Mahomes took a knee after Thornton suffered the nasty injury in Las Vegas on Sunday
Thornton’s ankle was pointing in the wrong direction after he was tackled from behind
In the end, the Kansas City Chiefs secured a 30-27 win that sees them move to 4-0
Thornton was reportedly able to board the plane alongside his teammates ahead of a proper evaluation on Monday morning. He had amassed 111 yards and two touchdowns before suffering the injury.
It had already been a tough day for Kansas City’s receivers. Rashee Rice suffered a hamstring injury during the first quarter and did not return, leaving Mahomes without one of his primary targets.
But those injuries did not prevent the Chiefs from continuing their perfect start to the season and condemning the Raiders – part-owned by Tom Brady – to a first loss of the campaign.
After Thornton left the field, Kenneth Walker scored a touchdown to give Kansas City the lead. Then Las Vegas fumbled the kickoff, allowing the running back to cross again and extend the Chiefs’ advantage.
But that was not the end of the drama. Kirk Cousins led the Raiders down the other end and found Brock Bowers for a touchdown, with a two-point conversion leaving Las Vegas just three points behind.
In the end, the Chiefs secured a 30-27 win – taking them to 4-0 – despite Travis Kelce having a quiet game. The tight end amassed just two receptions for 15 yards, while his wife Taylor Swift stayed away from Allegiant Stadium.
For Klint Kubiak, meanwhile, this was a first loss since taking over in Las Vegas.
Travis Kelce had a quiet game for the Chiefs, amassing only two
