The Chiefs get the victory, but did they lose two wide receivers in the process of defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 30-27 on Sunday?
Rashee Rice left game at Allegiant Stadium in the first quarter — he suffered a hamstring injury. Late in the game, Tyquan Thornton made a 45-yard reception but appeared to seriously injury his ankle as he was tackled.
After taking a 30-19 lead with three minutes remaining, the Chiefs held off a furious Raiders rally and improved to 4-0.
Here is our Week 4 report card for the Chiefs, as well as our KC Star of the Game.
KC STAR OF THE GAME
The NFL MVP of the season’s first quarter? Kenneth Walker has a strong case. He delivered a season-best 177 rushing yards, and his 77-yard run at the end of the third quarter was a turning point. He also added a pair of touchdown runs.
Next: For Week 5, the Chiefs take their bye. That means they’ll finish the regular season with 13 straight games without a bye week. Their next game is on Sunday, Oct. 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium.
REPORT CARD
Passing offense: B
A couple of personnel issues: At left guard Mike Caliendo started in place of Kingsley Suamataia, who was not listed on the injury report this week.
And Rice hobbled off the field after his first reception with an apparent hamstring injury and did not return. Xavier Worthy had his best game, however.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) shouts after catching a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during a Week 4 NFL game at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. David Brytus IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Patrick Mahomes completed a couple of deep balls, to Xavier Worthy and Thorton, who each caught four passes. Thorton had the first two-touchdown game of his career and made the huge catch to set up the go-ahead touchdown before the injury.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (2) is loaded onto a cart with an injury during a Week 4 NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Joe Camporeale IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Rushing offense: A
On Walker’s long run, credit Trey Smith and Jaylon Moore for opening the hole. But in a developing theme, the line is still having issues in short-yardage situations.
The Chiefs were stopped cold on a fourth-and-1 near midfield in the first quarter.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) readies for a snap against the Las Vegas Raiders during a Week 4 NFL game at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. David Brytus IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Passing defense: D
The Chiefs lost their only sack (by George Karlaftis) when L’Jarius Sneed was penalized for holding. But the Chiefs got pressure on Kirk Cousins and forced some wild throws.
The Chiefs’ defense came off the field for the final time thanks to pressure that forced a wobbly throw that was picked off by Xavier Nwankpa.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill (23) celebrates a fourth-down stop of Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during a Week 4 NFL game at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. David Brytus IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
But Cousins ripped the Chiefs for 365 yards, with no completion longer than 28 yards.
A tough game for cornerback Nohl Wiliams. He picked up a pair of penalties on third downs to keep Raiders’ drives alive. Both ended in field goals.
Rushing defense: A
The Chiefs came up strong here with six tackles for loss. Drue Tranquill had two, and one each for Karlaftis, Delane, Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Kristian Fulton.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) catches a pass against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (5) during a Week 4 NFL game at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Joe Camporeale IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty broke one for 19 yards in the fourth quarter
Special teams: A
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub’s group came up with a huge play — Jeff Bassa punched the ball from return man Dareke Young, and Jack Cochrane recovered for the Chiefs.
One play later, Walker’s touchdown run gave the Chiefs a two-score lead.
Matt Araiza entered the game leading the NFL in punting average, and now he must rank among the leaders in rushing attempts. His 12-yard gain on a fake punt gave the Chiefs a first down.
Kansas City Chiefs punter Matt Araiza (14) runs the ball on a fake as Las Vegas Raiders fullback Connor Heyward (34) gives chase during a Week 4 NFL game at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Joe Camporeale IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
But the Chiefs gave it right back when Walker was stuffed on a fourth-down attempt at midfield.
Nikko Remigio’s 27-yard punt return in the third quarter was his best of the season. But what was that invalid-fair-catch penalty on his next attempt? And Toub had to hate the 53-yard kickoff return, after the Chiefs took a 17-13 lead.
Worthy finished with 70 receiving yards, but one of his biggest plays came when he recovered an onside kick after the Raiders scored a touchdown late in the game.
This story was originally published October 4, 2026 at 7:06 PM.
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Blair Kerkhoff has covered sports for The Kansas City Star since 1989. He was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.