LAS VEGAS -- Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton suffered a dislocated left ankle Sunday that was later put back into place by team doctors, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Thornton exited Allegiant Stadium on crutches after his team's 30-27 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He had to be carted off the field in the fourth quarter after he made a 55-yard catch that ended when he was tackled from behind by rookie free safety Treydan Stukes.
"It sucks that he hurt his ankle on that play, but it was a big play for us," quarterback Patrick Mahomes said of Thornton. "It helped us go get the win. It's tough because those guys put in so much work. I was in that spot last year. One play can change your season. You hope for the best, but at the same time you want to show him support. I know how it is when you're in that position, and it's like the world is closing in on you. He's one of the best teammates I've ever had."
Thornton, a four-year veteran, left Las Vegas with his teammates on the Chiefs' charter plane. Coach Andy Reid said Thornton will have a full evaluation Monday morning, and the receiver is also expected to receive a second opinion on his injury. The Chiefs consider Thornton to be out indefinitely.
Thornton exited the locker room smiling and in good spirits, and he posted on social media that he'll "be back stronger & better."
Even before the injuries to Thornton and fellow receiver Rashee Rice on Sunday, the Chiefs had already shown interest in signing wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is a free agent. Following Sunday's game, a team source said "we've remained in contact" with Hill and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.
A reunion between the Chiefs and Hill is intriguing for both parties. Hill began his career in Kansas City, playing alongside Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce for six seasons and recording 62 total touchdowns during that span. Hill's familiarity with Reid and the Chiefs' offense could help ease his transition back onto the field. The Chiefs also believe Hill -- who in the past month has posted videos on his social media accounts of himself running routes and catching passes -- is targeting his return in November.
In February, the Miami Dolphins released Hill, a 10-year veteran, in a move that helped clear significant salary cap space. Hill sustained a season-ending dislocated left knee and tore multiple ligaments, including his ACL, in Week 4 of last season.
On his X account, Hill suggested last week that his return to the NFL is close. "It's almost time to get off the couch and get to work," Hill wrote, including an emoji of a face holding back tears.
Rice left the win in the first quarter because of a right hamstring injury. He recorded a short 7-yard reception but stumbled and pulled up while trying to gain yards after the catch, ending the play by going out of bounds. Rice tried to stay in the game, but he headed to the locker room before halftime after a lengthy chat with team trainer Rick Burkholder.
Reid didn't seem too concerned about Rice in his postgame news conference. The veteran was held out for the remainder of the game as a precaution.
Sunday was the best game in Thornton's career. He led the Chiefs with five receptions for a career-high 111 receiving yards and two touchdowns as they improved to 4-0.
"That doesn't look good," Reid said of Thornton's ankle. "His attitude is unbelievable. He's great for the team and kind of a leader of that [receivers] group. For that to happen, especially with the year he's having, he's had a phenomenal year to this point, it's a tough one to see for all of the guys."
Through the first four weeks, Rice and Thornton have been Kansas City's best receivers, combining to make 24 catches on 31 targets for 409 yards and three touchdowns.