Sports doctor delivers worrying Tyquan Thornton prediction after Chiefs injury

A sports doctor has delivered a worrying prediction on Tyquan Thornton’s injury after the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver suffered a gruesome ankle injury against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Thornton was carted off after landing awkwardly while making a 55-yard catch late in the fourth quarter. He was later reported to have suffered a dislocated ankle that was put back into place by doctors.

The Chiefs secured a 30-27 victory over the Raiders, but the result was overshadowed by Thornton’s injury. The receiver had enjoyed one of his best games of the season before being forced out, finishing with six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

Sports doctor believes Tyquan Thornton could face lengthy absence

David Chao, a former team doctor for the San Diego Chargers, assessed the injury and suggested Thornton could now face an extended spell on the sidelines.

“It’s somewhat graphic,” Chao said of the injury. “You’ve got the ankle pointed west and the knee pointed north.”

Chao also warned that Thornton’s initial reaction after the catch should not be taken as a sign that the injury was minor. The receiver briefly celebrated before realising something was wrong.

“That’s another example where I say you’ve got to judge the injury and not the reaction,” Chao added.

“That’s a left ankle fracture/dislocation. It’s very hard to dislocate your ankle, near impossible, without there being a fracture.”

That assessment adds to the concern surrounding Thornton, although the Chiefs are yet to provide a full diagnosis or return timeline.

Andy Reid confirmed after the game that the injury did not look good, but said Thornton would undergo further evaluation once the team returned to Kansas City.

“Tyquan Thornton’s ankle, that doesn’t look good,” Reid told reporters. “He’s going to fly back with us and we’ll get further evaluation later here.”

Thornton has since been reported as out indefinitely, with a full evaluation and second opinion planned. He was able to travel back with the Chiefs and was described as being in good spirits.

For Kansas City, the next medical update will determine just how significant the loss could be as Thornton waits to learn when he might return to the field.

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