Mandatory Credit: Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images

Travis Kelce Takes Accountability After Collision Leaves Xavier Worthy on Injured Reserve

Chiefs’ star admits fault as rookie wideout’s shoulder injury sidelines him.

Mandatory Credit: Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce admitted fault for a collision with wide receiver Xavier Worthy that left the second-year wideout with a dislocated shoulder in the team’s season opener. The incident occurred just three snaps into Friday’s 27-21 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, dealing a major blow to a receiver corps already missing Rashee Rice due to suspension.

Travis Kelce is taking full responsibility for his collision with Xavier Worthy in the Kansas City Chiefs' season opener.

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— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 10, 2025

Kelce Reflects on Collision, Worthy’s Injury

Worthy, 22, was positioned to step into a leading role in Kansas City’s passing game with Rashee Rice sidelined, but his breakout bid was derailed when he and Kelce crossed routes and collided early in the first quarter. The rookie was immediately removed from the game and later ruled out with a serious shoulder injury.

Initial reports suggested surgery could end his season, though head coach Andy Reid provided more optimism. According to Reid, Worthy is considered “day-to-day” and could attempt to return this season with a brace. NFL insider Ian Rapoport added, “Some good news initially,” as the team leans toward rehab instead of immediate surgery.

Travis Kelce on the importance of Xavier Worthy returning to the field.

“He’s gonna take that step into being one of the best WR’s in the NFL”

Via (@newheightshow) #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/i4TjcABybc
— SleeperChiefs (@SleeperChiefsKC) September 10, 2025

Kelce, who discussed the play on his podcast New Heights, was blunt in his self-criticism. “I owe my guy big time, man, X knows it,” the 35-year-old said. “I felt like s—, I could barely even f—in’ play the rest of that first half. But we girded up once I found out that he was in better spirits than I imagined.”

The veteran tight end doubled down on accountability, admitting the mistake was uncharacteristic of a player in his 13th NFL season. “I wasn’t ready that first drive; I ran into one of my guys and offed him out of the game,” Kelce said. “I’m supposed to be running my route at depth for Worthy. So, it’s frustrating for me. I was trying to kind of set up my guy to be able to get into position, and it all just happened pretty quick. I just gotta be better, man. I’m 13 years in the league. There is no excuse for me running into my own guys like that.”

dedicating the rest of my days praying for travis kelce’s inevitable divorcepic.twitter.com/CGSqhIqFYg
— kev mahserejian (@RotoSurgeon) September 6, 2025

The play in question was a “rub route,” a designed crossing pattern meant to create separation for receivers. Instead, it left Kansas City’s young wideout on the sidelines and Kelce searching for answers in a frustrating season-opening loss.

Mandatory Image Credit: Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.