Chiefs receiver Tyquan Thornton reportedly out 12-16 weeks with dislocated ankle, could potentially return by postseason

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Tyquan Thornton could potentially return late this season from a dislocated ankle, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday .

Per the report, Thornton will undergo surgery this week and have a 12-16 week timeline to return from the procedure, leaving the door open for a potential return in time for the postseason.

Thornton sustained the gruesome injury late in the fourth quarter of Week 4's 30-27 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

"It doesn't look good," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters postgame.

With the Chiefs trailing 19-17, Thornton caught a 55-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes on a post pattern, continuing what had been the most productive game of his career. Thornton was tackled by Raiders safety Treydan Stukes and immediately stood up to celebrate the big play. However, he then crumpled to the turf with his left foot turned in an unnatural direction as he sat on the ground.

Warning: Video of the injury is graphic.

Thornton flew home with the team and will be further evaluated in Kansas City.

NFL Network reported Thornton dislocated his ankle, which was put back in place by doctors. He was reportedly "in good spirits."

Thornton suffered the injury while being tackled, though it wasn't clear in live-action when he stood up. Perhaps adrenaline compelled him to celebrate the big play and reality quickly set in as his left foot touched the grass, but replay showed the ankle being dislocated durign the tackle.

Unable to put weight on his left leg, Thornton was carted off the field and taken to the locker room.

As could be expected, Thornton's teammates were upset after seeing how badly he was hurt and watching him require assistance to leave the game. When play resumed, Kenneth Walker scored on a 2-yard run to give Kansas City a 23-19 lead. A subsequent 2-point conversion attempt failed when Mahomes threw incomplete to Walker.

On the ensuing kickoff, Chiefs linebacker Jeffrey Bassa forced Raiders returner Dareke Young to fumble and the ball was recovered by Jack Cochrane at the Las Vegas 22-yard line. One play later, Walker rushed for his second touchdown in 19 seconds. Harrison Butker followed with the extra point for a 30-19 lead.

Thornton, 26, was developing into a reliable big-play threat for Mahomes and a Chiefs receiver corps thinned out by injuries. Rashee Rice left the game in the first quarter with a hamstring injury . Xavier Worthy has also been dealing with a shoulder injury, though he played Sunday, notching four receptions.

Because of the injuries, the Chiefs could explore a potential reunion with free-agent receiver Tyreek Hill, The Athletic's Michael Silver reported Sunday night.

Prior to his injury, Thornton caught five passes for 111 yards and two TDs, including an 8-yard scoring grab early in the fourth quarter.

"Just praying for him, You never want anyone to get injured and you're hoping it's better than it looked out there," Mahomes said to CBS' Tracy Wolfson after the game. "Praying for him and hopefully he comes back healthy."

Thornton missed final 3 games last season with concussion

This is the second consecutive season in which Thornton had to leave a game due to injury.

Last year in a Week 15 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, he suffered a concussion on a head-to-head hit by safety Tony Jefferson. Thornton missed the Chiefs' final three games as a result.