Travis Kelce Injury Scare: Teammate Hurt as Mahomes’ Gameplan Faces Major Setback
The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 season opener in São Paulo was meant to be a statement game—a showcase of Patrick Mahomes’ renewed deep-ball attack and a fresh start for the reigning champions. Instead, it ended in disappointment, with the Chiefs falling 27-21 to the Los Angeles Chargers and suffering a potentially devastating blow to their offensive firepower.
Kelce’s Collision: Friendly Fire with Serious Consequences
Travis Kelce, the veteran tight end and one of Mahomes’ most trusted targets, made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Early in the second quarter, Kelce collided with second-year receiver Xavier Worthy as both crossed paths on a route. The impact sent Worthy airborne, and while he managed to walk off the field under his own power, it was clear something was wrong. Sideline footage showed Worthy draping a towel over his head before heading to the locker room for treatment.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport later reported that Worthy had suffered a dislocated shoulder, with the Chiefs still seeking a second opinion and the possibility of surgery looming. While there remains hope that Worthy could brace the injury and return this season, the uncertainty surrounding his status casts a shadow over Kansas City’s offense.
A Critical Loss for Mahomes and the Chiefs
Worthy was expected to be a central figure in Mahomes’ plans to revive the Chiefs’ downfield threat, a role not truly filled since Tyreek Hill’s departure. Mahomes spent much of the offseason emphasizing the need to stretch defenses vertically, taking personal responsibility for improving the deep passing game after a career-low performance in 2024.
> “If teams are going to challenge us at the line of scrimmage, if teams are going to challenge us to throw the ball deep, we have to show that we can do that,” Mahomes said during training camp. “If we can do that — it starts with me and giving guys a chance — I think it is really going to open up the offense and make us a better team in general.”
Worthy, alongside Hollywood Brown (who posted 99 yards on 10 catches in Brazil), was set to be a key piece of that puzzle. Now, with Worthy facing an extended absence, Mahomes’ options are severely limited—especially with Rashee Rice suspended for six games and rookie Jalen Royals also sidelined by injury.
Kelce’s Mixed Night
Kelce, fresh off his engagement to pop superstar Taylor Swift, did manage to notch his 98th career touchdown, closing in on the NFL’s exclusive 100 club for tight ends. He finished with two catches for 47 yards, including a 39-yard score that briefly reignited the Chiefs’ hopes. But his overall impact was muted, and the mishap with Worthy may have longer-term consequences than any highlight-reel play.
Mahomes Dazzles, but It’s Not Enough
Despite the adversity, Mahomes continued to display his signature brilliance, making eye-catching plays and breaking more NFL records. Yet even his heroics couldn’t overcome the depleted receiving corps and a Chargers team that looked sharper and more cohesive from start to finish.
The loss snaps Kansas City’s streak of dominance in season openers and raises questions about their ability to contend in a suddenly competitive AFC West. With the Eagles, Ravens, and Lions looming on the schedule, the Chiefs can ill afford further setbacks.
What’s Next: Chiefs Face Must-Win Against Eagles
The Chiefs return home to Arrowhead Stadium in Week 2 for a high-stakes rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles—a repeat of Super Bowl LIX. Seven months after being humbled 40-22 by the Eagles in New Orleans, Mahomes and Kelce must regroup and adapt to a rapidly changing offensive landscape.
The Eagles, fresh off a win over the Cowboys, will be eager to extend their momentum, while the Chiefs look to avoid their first 0-2 start since 2014. With Worthy’s status uncertain and key playmakers missing, Mahomes may need to dig even deeper to keep Kansas City’s championship hopes alive.
Travis Kelce’s accidental collision with Xavier Worthy could have far-reaching consequences for the Chiefs, threatening to derail Mahomes’ carefully crafted gameplan and putting Kansas City’s quest for a Super Bowl three-peat in jeopardy. As the team awaits updates on Worthy’s injury, the pressure mounts for Mahomes, Kelce, and Andy Reid to find answers—and fast.
