The Kansas City Chiefs knew the beginning of their season would be difficult but their wide receiver situation has tied one hand behind their back. The six-game suspension for Rashee Rice was one big blow to the Kansas City offense but the Chiefs suffered another one when Xavier Worthy was injured in the season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
With two of their top weapons out, the Chiefs haven’t looked as explosive as they’ve been in previous years. But even with Rice and Worthy on the sideline, Tyquan Thornton has stepped up to take their place and perhaps make a case for a big role even when the playmaking duo makes its return.
Tyquan Thornton is Saving the Chiefs Passing Game Through Three Games
Thornton had a big impact on the Chiefs offense in the first two games, catching four passes for 100 yards. He also had a highlight-reel play on his resume, hauling in a 49-yard touchdown in last week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
While he’s come up with some big plays in the opening weeks, nothing was as big as what he pulled off in Sunday’s win over the New York Giants. Thornton led the Chiefs with five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown in the win but it was when he made those plays that made the difference.
The Chiefs went into halftime with a 9-6 lead but Thorton’s five-yard touchdown reception capped off an 11-play, 74-yard drive to open the second half and give Kansas City a 16-6 lead. Thornton popped again when he hauled in a 34-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter but the play was reversed via replay before Mahomes went back to Thornton for a leaping 33-yard reception that set up a one-yard touchdown plunge by Kareem Hunt.
“Both of them. Back-to-back, Pat [Mahomes] went to him,” Andy Reid said in his postgame press conference via Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports. “It was a nice job making the second one go there. He’s showing some things. He’s a guy that JuJu [Smith-Schuster] spoke highly of. I mentioned Bill Belichick. He’s come here and done nothing but work hard. I’m happy for him to get the opportunity.”
Thornton was the Patriots’ second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft but things didn’t click in New England with 39 catches for 39 yards and two touchdowns. While injuries played a role in his limited production, Thornton was released in November 2024 and signed to the Chiefs practice squad.
After earning a spot on the 53-man roster during training camp, all Thornton has done is make plays. While he’s unlikely to have a top role when Rice and Worthy return, his speed and playmaking ability should be enough to keep him on the field through the rest of the season.
For a team that may need some changes after slogging through Sunday night’s game, Thornton may be the answer and could give Kansas City another under-the-radar weapon for an offense that needs them.