Chiefs’ Xavier Worthy Sidelined After Brutal Collision with Teammate Travis Kelce in Season Opener
The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 NFL season got off to a nightmarish start in São Paulo, Brazil, when wide receiver Xavier Worthy was forced out of the game just minutes in after a painful collision with teammate Travis Kelce. The incident, occurring on the third offensive play against the Los Angeles Chargers, not only contributed to Kansas City’s 27-21 upset loss but has sparked widespread concern about the team’s already thin receiving corps, especially with key players sidelined by suspensions and other injuries.
Key Details of the Injury
Less than two minutes into the game at Corinthians Arena, on a third-down play during the Chiefs’ opening drive, Worthy and Kelce both ran crossing routes over the middle, leading to an inadvertent but vicious collision. Worthy, attempting to separate from coverage, absorbed the brunt of the impact from the larger Kelce, slamming into the turf and immediately clutching his right shoulder in agony. The play resulted in an incomplete pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, intended for Worthy, and he was quickly attended to by trainers on the sideline before walking to the locker room with a towel draped over his head.
Initially listed as questionable to return with a shoulder injury, Worthy was ruled out for the remainder of the contest early in the second quarter. He did not return, leaving the Chiefs without one of their primary deep-threat options. Post-game reports indicate Worthy was seen wincing in pain and heading for X-rays, with speculation from observers, including NFL analyst Chase Daniel, suggesting a possible shoulder dislocation that required on-site relocation. The team confirmed he would undergo an MRI upon returning to Kansas City to assess the full extent of the damage. Verified game footage and reports from the YouTube-streamed broadcast captured the moment, showing Worthy slow to rise and visibly distraught as he exited.
This marks the second consecutive season a Chiefs wide receiver has been injured early against the Chargers; last year, Rashee Rice suffered a knee injury in a similar matchup. Worthy’s absence forced the team to rely more heavily on Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster, who stepped up with increased snaps, but the offense struggled, managing just six points in the first half.
Voices from the Field
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the injury after the loss, expressing caution without specifics: “We’ll know more once we get back home and get that MRI done. Xavier’s a tough kid, and we’re hoping it’s not too serious.” Patrick Mahomes, who targeted Worthy on the ill-fated play, lamented the early setback: “It happened so fast—just routes crossing, and boom. We need him out there; he’s a game-changer for us.” Travis Kelce, appearing visibly frustrated post-collision and even slamming an offensive lineman’s helmet in the aftermath, declined immediate comment on the hit but later said, “It was an accident—hate that it went down like that. Prayers up for X.”
NFL insiders weighed in as well. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the questionable status initially, while CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones noted the “brutal” nature of the friendly fire. On social media, fans and analysts roasted Kelce lightheartedly, with one viral post quipping, “Travis Kelce just went full Ray Lewis on Xavier Worthy,” accompanied by a clip of the hit. Free agent wide receiver Allen Robinson II even chimed in on X, offering his services: “No 🧢, chiefs I’m a free agent, I swear I could help yall.”
Background Context
Xavier Worthy, a 2024 first-round draft pick out of Texas (28th overall), burst onto the scene as a rookie last season, leading the Chiefs’ wide receivers with 59 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns, plus 104 rushing yards and three scores on 20 carries—showcasing his elite speed (4.21-second 40-yard dash). He was poised for an even bigger role in 2025, especially with Rashee Rice suspended for the first six games due to a high-speed crash incident and rookie Jalen Royals sidelined by a knee injury. The Chiefs entered the season aiming to rebound from their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, leaning on Worthy’s big-play ability to complement Mahomes and a resurgent Kelce.
Kelce, the 35-year-old tight end and future Hall of Famer, had a down year in 2024 with career lows in yards (823) and touchdowns (3) amid off-field distractions, including his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift. The collision adds to a pattern of early-season mishaps for Kansas City’s offense, which has been plagued by injuries and penalties. This international opener, the NFL’s second in Brazil, was meant to energize the team but instead highlighted vulnerabilities in their depth chart, already strained without Rice.
The incident also fueled online buzz, with fans joking about Kelce’s “revenge season” or tying it to Swift’s recent podcast comments praising Worthy’s draft selection. Some speculated about roster moves, noting free agent Odell Beckham Jr. was in attendance and could fill a void if Worthy’s injury lingers.
Impact and Next Steps
The injury could have ripple effects on the Chiefs’ early-season outlook, potentially forcing more reliance on Kelce (who had a quiet first half with just one target) and Brown, while increasing pressure on Mahomes to improvise without his speedster. If the shoulder issue—a possible dislocation or separation—proves serious, Worthy might miss multiple weeks, exacerbating the absence of Rice until Week 7. This comes at a tough time, with the Chiefs facing a Super Bowl rematch against the Eagles on September 14 at Arrowhead Stadium, where a healthy offense will be crucial to avoid an 0-2 start.
Next steps include the MRI results expected early this week, which could clarify Worthy’s timeline—shoulder dislocations often sideline players for 2-4 weeks with proper rehab. The Chiefs may explore short-term roster additions, like signing a veteran free agent such as Odell Beckham Jr. or Allen Robinson, to bolster depth. Andy Reid hinted at internal adjustments, saying the team would “adapt and overcome” as they prepare for Philadelphia. Broader NFL implications include heightened scrutiny on route-running coordination in high-stakes offenses and the risks of international travel on player health.
Conclusion
Xavier Worthy’s shocking shoulder injury from a collision with Travis Kelce turned what should have been an exciting season opener into a cautionary tale for the Kansas City Chiefs, underscoring the fragility of their receiving options. As the team awaits MRI clarity, the focus shifts to resilience and potential reinforcements. For Chiefs fans, the takeaway is a stark reminder of the NFL’s unpredictability: One accidental hit can derail momentum, but with stars like Mahomes leading the charge, Kansas City has the talent to rally—if they stay healthy.