Tyquan Thornton to Return in 12–16 Weeks, per Report

**Reported by Us Weekly:** Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton suffered a dislocated left ankle in a game on Oct. 4 and is expected to return in 12 to 16 weeks.

Thornton, 26, injured his ankle during the fourth quarter of the Chiefs' 30-27 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, per Us Weekly. He caught a 55-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes before Raiders safety Treydan Stukes tackled him and his ankle bent at an unnatural angle. He was carted off and later seen on crutches, Us Weekly reported.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday, Oct. 5, that Thornton will have surgery within the week and the Chiefs hope he could return for a late-season or playoff game, per Us Weekly.

"I'll be back stronger & better 🙏🏾🕺🏽 #ChiefsKingdom"
– Tyquan Thornton on X, per Us Weekly

After the injury, Thornton posted on X and Instagram thanking fans. Teammates Travis Kelce and Mahomes commented in support. Kelce wrote, "All we make is big plays!!!! 🔥🔥," and Mahomes wrote, "My dawg! 🙏🏽💪🏽," Us Weekly reported.

Mahomes, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in December 2025 and returned for the 2026 season opener, told reporters he relates to what Thornton is going through. "One play can change your season. You hope for the best, but at the same time you want to show him support," Mahomes said, per Us Weekly.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said the injury "doesn't look good" but praised Thornton's attitude, calling him a leader of the receivers group, per Us Weekly.

The Chiefs are on bye week and next play Oct. 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers.