Why Patrick Mahomes may lean on Tyquan Thornton as his newest reliable target following Xavier Worthy’s injury

The Kansas City Chiefs suddenly find themselves searching for reliable options in the passing game. With rookie sensation Xavier Worthy sidelined by a shoulder injury and Rashee Rice suspended until Week 7, Patrick Mahomes is left with a thinner list of playmakers. That has opened the door for Tyquan Thornton, a wideout once considered a forgotten prospect, who is now seizing his opportunity in Kansas City.

The Chiefs’ wide receiver room is wide open

Thornton stepped into a bigger role against the Chargers, finishing with two catches for 41 yards on four targets. While his stat line wasn’t eye-popping, his 38-yard reception before halftime stood out as the longest play of the first half and a spark for the offense. Mahomes acknowledged the impact, saying, “Once I hit that one to Tyquan down the sideline towards halftime, I thought from then on I did a good job of recognizing when to take shots.

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Head coach Andy Reid had already hinted before the game that Hollywood Brown and Thornton would be filling the void left by Rice. Worthy’s injury made that responsibility even heavier, but Thornton showed he was ready. Reid praised his skill set, noting, “He’s fast, he’s a big target, and he runs good routes.”

How the Chiefs landed Tyquan Thornton

Thornton’s road to Kansas City has been anything but smooth. Drafted 50th overall by the New England Patriots in 2022 after blazing a 4.28 40-yard dash, he never found consistency in Foxborough.

Injuries and questions about his hands derailed his time there, leading to his release in late 2024.The Chiefs, however, saw something different. They quickly added him to the practice squad, then signed him to a future contract in February 2025. Reid even revealed that Bill Belichick had vouched for him, telling Kansas City’s staff that Thornton “really got great potential.”Now, with a clear path to playing time, Thornton has the chance to prove Belichick right and reward the Chiefs’ patience. For Kansas City, it could mean finding an unexpected weapon just when Mahomes needs it most.Thornton’s journey from overlooked Patriot to trusted target in Kansas City is far from complete, but the early signs suggest the Chiefs may have uncovered a diamond in the rough.Also Read: Why Giants are not rushing to bench Russell Wilson as rookie Jaxson Dart draws increasing attention