Travis Kelce Opens Up About Frustrating Collision That Injured Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has broken his silence on the unfortunate and “frustrating” collision that left rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy with a shoulder injury during the team’s season-opening win. The incident, which took place just minutes into the game against the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, has sparked concern among fans and left Kelce visibly upset.

On the Chiefs’ third offensive play of the game, Kelce and Worthy ran crossing routes that were poorly timed, resulting in a jarring collision. Worthy, one of the team’s most promising young receivers, was forced to exit the game after dislocating his right shoulder. Speaking candidly on his podcast New Heights, Kelce took full responsibility for the miscommunication and expressed regret over how it unfolded.

“I’m supposed to be running my route at depth for Worthy,” Kelce said. “It’s frustrating. I was trying to set up my guy and give him space, but I didn’t execute. And because of that, I literally ran into one of my own guys and knocked him out of the game. That’s one of the most frustrating parts. It’s hard to get your energy back up when you know you just hurt a teammate.”

Kelce, now in his 13th NFL season, acknowledged that with his level of experience, such mistakes are inexcusable. “There’s no excuse. I’ve got to be better. Period.”

The injury came at a time when the Chiefs’ offense was already navigating several question marks, including changes in the receiving corps and Patrick Mahomes working with new targets. Losing Worthy, who brings speed and explosiveness, puts even more strain on an offense looking to find its rhythm.

Head coach Andy Reid later confirmed that Worthy would not need surgery, labeling the injury “day-to-day,” though he has been ruled out for the Chiefs’ next matchup. While it’s not considered season-ending, a dislocated shoulder typically requires weeks of rehab, and the Chiefs will be cautious with their first-round draft pick.

Despite the setback, Kelce remained optimistic about Worthy’s return. “Xavier’s got all the tools. He’s electric, he’s smart, and he’s been grinding since day one. He’ll bounce back stronger. I just hate that my mistake delayed his momentum.”

Fans have taken to social media, not to criticize Kelce, but to express support for both players, with hashtags like #GetWellWorthy and #KelceStrong trending in Kansas City. Many praised Kelce for his accountability and emotional honesty in addressing the play.

As the Chiefs prepare for their next opponent, the team will need others in the receiving corps to step up. But the bigger story remains Kelce’s leadership — not just in yards and touchdowns, but in owning his missteps and standing by his teammates.

In the NFL, injuries are inevitable, but moments like these remind fans that even superstars like Kelce carry the weight of their mistakes — and that behind the helmets are human beings who care deeply for one another.