Tests on Monday revealed that Chiefs receiver Tyquan Thornton will need surgery after dislocating his ankle during Kansas City’s Week 4 game against the Raiders, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. The expected time for recovery is between three and four months, but there is a “small chance” of a late-season return, Zenitz reports.
The Chiefs’ wideout suffered a left ankle injury after making a 55-yard catch late in the fourth quarter on Sunday. Thornton initially didn’t know that he had suffered an injury after making the catch. He began celebrating his big play before he realized what had happened. Cameras initially showed the severity of Thornton’s injury, but then immediately stopped showing any replays. Thornton received an air cast to get off the field.
It was later revealed that Thornton suffered a dislocated ankle that was put back into place by doctors. A full evaluation on Monday morning revealed surgery is necessary.
While the injury is tough news for the 4-0 Chiefs, Zenitz added that “it’s a relatively positive outlook” for Kansas City. A return toward the end of the season or during the playoffs is still possible.
Thornton’s injury occurred after he had a monster day. He caught five passes for 111 yards and two scores. Thornton entered the game with six catches for 108 yards.
The 50th overall pick in the 2022 draft, Thornton spent his first three seasons with the Patriots before joining the Chiefs in 2025. He set career highs last season with 438 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 23.1 yards per catch.
Thornton’s teammates made sure that his 55-yard catch would not go in vain. Kenneth Walker III scored one play later and scored again less than 20 seconds later after the Raiders fumbled the ensuing kickoff.
Kansas City prevailed, 30-27, improving to 4-0 and handing the Raiders their first loss of the season.
Walker rumbled for 177 yards and two scores and was again a key contributor in a Chiefs win. The Chiefs wouldn’t have beaten the Raiders without Thornton, however.
“First off, I’m just praying for him,” Patrick Mahomes told CBS Sports lead sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson afterward. “You never want anyone to get injured, and you’re hoping it’s better than it looked out there. Praying for him, and hopefully he comes back healthy.”
With Thornton injured, the Chiefs will have to lean more on their other playmakers, which include Walker, Xavier Worthy, Travis Kelce, and Rashee Rice, who missed the majority of Sunday’s game after injuring his hamstring in the second quarter.
The Chiefs will have time to rest and recover during their Week 5 bye before hosting the winless Chargers in Week 6.
