Tyquan Thornton injury update as Chiefs WR suffers gruesome ankle injury - USA Today
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton suffered a gruesome-looking injury in the fourth quarter of his team's Week 4 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The injury occurred after Thornton reeled in a 55-yard pass from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Thornton was running toward the end zone when he was tackled from behind by Raiders defensive back Treydan Stukes.
Thornton's left leg twisted awkwardly under Stukes as he was dragged to the ground. The 26-year-old receiver originally tried to get up but quickly realized something was wrong and went back to the ground.
Thornton then laid down, and it became apparent his left foot was facing the wrong direction. He received medical attention on the field before being carted into the locker room with an air cast on his injured left ankle.
(Editor's note: Due to the graphic nature of the injury, we will refrain from sharing the video on this article. Those who wish to see the video replay can view it here.)
The Chiefs quickly ruled Thornton out for the remainder of their Week 4 game against the Raiders after his ankle injury. He finished the day with five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns before exiting.
Unsurprisingly, Chiefs coach Andy Reid did not sound optimistic about the injury during his postgame news conference.
"It doesn't look good," Reid told reporters of Thornton's injury. "He's gonna fly back with us and we'll get further evaluation later."
Reid later praised Thornton's character and lauded the 26-year-old's leadership skills.
"His attitude's unbelievable," Reid said. "He's great for the team. [He's] kinda a leader of that group in there."
The veteran coach also lamented that Thornton's injury occurred in the midst of what was shaping up to be a career-best year.
"For that to happen, especially with the year he's having. He's been having a phenomenal year to this point. And a great play to boot on top of that," Reid said. "So, it's a tough one to see for all the guys."
The Chiefs dressed six receivers for their Week 4 game against the Raiders. Below is a look at the pecking order within that unit.
Thornton wasn't the only Chiefs receiver to suffer an injury in Week 4 against the Raiders. Rice also left the game early with a hamstring injury, which was what forced Thornton into a larger role in the first place.
With Thornton and Rice presumably out, Royals and Allen will see larger roles for the Chiefs as they look to remain undefeated.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
