The Kansas City Chiefs are playing their first game without Patrick Mahomes, and it'll be something new to everyone in the building. It's a different feel around Kansas City, but it allows other players to stand out and showcase their abilities to the coaching staff, front office, and other teams across the league.
Receiver Tyquan Thornton was someone who could have used this final three-game stretch to lock down his spot on the roster for 2026, but that took a hit, as he didn't practice on Thursday. Thornton didn't practice as he's in the concussion protocol.
Tyquan Thornton’s Week 16 Status Is in Doubt After Concussion
Thornton exited last week's game against the Los Angeles Chargers with a concussion, and it appears he has yet to clear the protocol to play this weekend. That's a tough blow for the wideout, as Rashee Rice is also in the concussion protocol.
This final stretch of the regular season would have allowed Thornton to impress the coaching staff and front office ahead of free agency. He's slated to hit the open market after inking a one-year, $1.1 million deal last offseason, but there's no guarantee he'll be back with the Chiefs in 2026.
Although he hasn't been consistently seen on the field this season, especially when Rice returned from his six-game suspension, Thornton has made plays. In 14 games this year, he has caught 19 passes for 438 yards (23.1 yards per reception) with three touchdowns.
Thornton has blazing speed, and this season is by far his best one in the pros. That's a testament to his hard work and the Chiefs giving him a chance to make plays, but this concussion is halting his ability to finish the year out strong.
While it's looking more and more slim that he'll play against the Tennessee Titans in Week 16, his status for Week 17 is also in the air. The Chiefs have a short week and play against the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day, which is just four days after their tilt with the Titans.
To clear the concussion protocol, a player must complete an entire practice while showing no lingering problems. Since Kansas City will have fewer days in between games, and therefore fewer practices, it shortens the window for Thornton to clear the league's protocols. It doesn't help that concussion recovery times tend to vary from person to person.
In a window where the coaching staff and management are scouting for next season, Thornton's missed time isn't ideal and could play a role in why the team decides to move on. If he were healthy and productive, it would only bolster his chances of returning, but that is now in question.