2026 · WEEK 5 CLOSE
$0–1W−100%SINCE '26 DRAFTHIGH $220
AGE26Aug 7, 2000
EXP4 yrssince 2022
HEIGHT6'2"
inherits 2% of KC targets (39% vacated, his claim 6%)
The Chiefs placed Thornton (ankle) on injured reserve Monday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
It was an inevitable move given that Thornton was diagnosed with a dislocated left ankle that he suffered during the Chiefs' Week 4 win over the Raiders. He's facing a 3-to-4 month recovery timeline, so there's a chance that he's activated off IR toward the tail end of the regular season or in the playoffs, assuming the Chiefs earn a postseason spot. Thornton was emerging as the team's WR3 behind Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Xavier Worthy prior to his injury. That No. 3 role could be filled by Jalen Royals, rookie fifth-rounder Cyrus Allen or Nikko Remigio, and that trio could see even more offensive snaps against the Chargers on Sunday if Rice is not cleared to play.
Thornton exited Sunday's game agains the Raiders with a left ankle injury and will not return.
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Everyone sharing the ball with Tyquan, most valuable first.
Above the line the plan was to throw; below it, to run.
Thornton (ankle) is out indefinitely after dislocating his ankle during Sunday's 30-27 win over the Raiders, Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network reports.
Thornton had his dislocated ankle put back into place by doctors Sunday and flew home with the team, but he's facing an extended absence due to the injury he sustained in the fourth quarter of Sunday's win in Vegas. He scored twice before getting injured at the end of a 55-yard catch, which brought Thornton up to five receptions for 111 yards on eight targets. Thornton will undergo a full evaluation of the injured left ankle Monday morning.
Thornton exited Sunday's game against the Raiders due to a left ankle injury and will not return.
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Thornton caught both of his targets for 22 yards in Kansas City's 24-10 win over the Dolphins on Sunday.
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Thornton caught all four of his targets for 86 yards in Sunday's 33-30 overtime win against the Colts.
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Thornton didn't catch his only target during Monday night's 31-10 win over the Broncos.
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Thornton secured one of two targets for 11 yards in the Chiefs' 9-9 preseason tie with the Seahawks on Friday.
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Thornton, who's served as the Chiefs' most consistent downfield threat in the absence of Xavier Worthy over the last two-plus games, will see his teammate return to action in Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Ravens, Nate Taylor of ESPN.com reports.
Thornton has arguably shown nearly as much promise over his first three games in Kansas City than he did over his three seasons in New England combined after the Patriots selected him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The speedster has particularly thrived in the two full games Worthy has missed, posting a combined 7-130-2 line on 14 targets in that span. However, Worthy's return gives the Chiefs back their most potent deep threat, and it remains to be seen if Thornton will therefore see a reduction in downfield routes.
The WRs priced immediately above and below him.
