Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has taken full responsibility for accidentally injuring teammate and wide receiver Xavier Worthy during the team's Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The incident, which occurred early in the game, saw Kelce collide with Worthy during a crossing route, resulting in a dislocated shoulder for the young receiver.
Worthy's injury casts a significant shadow over the Chiefs' already thin wide receiver corps. The team is now anxiously awaiting a diagnosis to determine if Worthy will require surgery, potentially sidelining him for the season, or if he can return to the field with a brace. The uncertainty surrounding Worthy's status is a major concern for the Chiefs, given their existing depth issues at the position.
The collision adds an unexpected layer of drama, considering Taylor Swift's vocal support for Worthy. The pop superstar, a self-proclaimed Chiefs fan, publicly expressed her excitement over Worthy's drafting. Kelce, aware of Swift's enthusiasm for his teammate, likely feels added pressure to ensure Worthy's swift recovery.
On his podcast, "New Heights," Kelce acknowledged his error, stating that he should have been running his route differently to avoid the collision. He emphasized his experience in the league and admitted there's no excuse for such a mistake. His remorse underscores the seriousness of the injury and his commitment to his teammates' well-being.
The Chiefs' receiver situation is precarious. With Rashee Rice suspended for the first six games and rookie Jalen Royals sidelined due to injury, the team is relying heavily on Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Tyquan Thornton, alongside Kelce. The potential long-term absence of Worthy could significantly impact their offensive capabilities. General Manager Brett Veach may need to explore external options to bolster the team's receiving options if Worthy's injury proves severe. The lack of depth puts a significant strain on Patrick Mahomes and the team's Super Bowl aspirations.
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Originally published at: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/travis-kelce-takes-responsibility-injuring-171539938.html
