Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton suffered a gruesome ankle injury in the fourth quarter of their clash with the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday. The injury occurred after Thornton caught a deep pass from Patrick Mahomes that set up the Chiefs on the goal-line with a chance to take the lead.
Injury forces CBS booth to warn viewers
Thornton, who was brought down by rookie Treydan Stukes, attempted to celebrate his substantial gain but instantly crumpled to the ground. The 26-year-old gestured towards his left ankle, which appeared to be angled unnaturally, prompting the CBS commentary box to caution viewers.
"That was a gruesome sight for Thornton," Jim Nantz said. JJ Watt, who has replaced Tony Romo as colour analyst in CBS's primary booth, advised audiences: "Look away if you're squeamish." Nantz added: "The Chiefs - Walker, Worthy - they came up and saw what you saw at home. We're going to step aside."
Thornton's career-best performance ends in devastation
Thornton was carted off as both team-mates and opponents dropped to one knee. He finished with five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns, including the pivotal 55-yard reception that set up Kenneth Walker's go-ahead score.
Drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Thornton moved to the Chiefs in 2024 after being waived mid-season. He posted the finest statistical outing of his career against the Raiders before suffering the injury.
Chiefs lose second receiver to injury
Thornton was not the only receiver to pick up a knock, as Rashee Rice departed early with a hamstring complaint. Rice pulled up sharply after collecting a pass from Mahomes and limped off the field. A penalty flag wiped out the modest gain, and Rice was spotted stretching his leg on the sidelines before heading to the locker room.
With both Rice and Thornton sidelined, the Chiefs finished the match with Xavier Worthy, Cyrus Allen and Nikko Remigio as their remaining receiving options.
Chiefs hold on for 30-27 win
Following Thornton's injury, Walker punched the ball into the end zone to hand the Chiefs a 23-19 advantage. After a fumble on the subsequent kickoff, the reigning Super Bowl MVP drove through the centre for a 22-yard touchdown, making it 30-19 with three minutes left.
The Raiders refused to surrender as Kirk Cousins delivered a 20-yard touchdown pass to Brock Bowers, with Coby White converting the 2-point attempt to narrow the deficit to 30-27. The Raiders attempted an onside drop kick and regained possession after a mishandled sequence that resulted in a third-down sack on Mahomes.
However, an excellent punt forced the Raiders to start a potential match-winning drive from their own 1-yard line. George Karlaftis forced a fumble that was intercepted to end the contest, ensuring the Chiefs progressed to 4-0 and joined the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers as the only unbeaten teams. The Raiders dropped to 3-1. The Chiefs have a bye next week, while the Raiders face the 2-2 Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, 11 October.
