Travis Kelce accepts blame after collision sidelines Xavier Worthy in Chiefs' season opener in Brazil
On his New Heights podcast Kelce said he
Travis Kelce said he “wasn't ready” at the start of the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener in Brazil and accepted responsibility after a collision with teammate Xavier Worthy that left the wide receiver sidelined early in the game.
Worthy was forced out after three snaps and required scans for a shoulder injury after the play, which occurred on the Chiefs’ opening drive against the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Andy Reid described Worthy as “day to day” after the game and the team has not disclosed the full extent of the injury.
Kelce addressed the incident on his New Heights podcast, saying he took “the most accountability” and that he had not been ready for the speed of the game. “I literally took one of my players out. That’s one of the most frustrating parts,” Kelce said, adding that he had been trying to set up Worthy on the play.
“I'm supposed to be running my route for Worthy. It's frustrating for me. I was kind of trying to set up my guy to get in position and it all kind of happened pretty quick,” Kelce said. His brother and podcast co-host, Jason Kelce, described the collision as “jarring” and Travis Kelce called the incident unacceptable for someone with his experience. “I've just got to be better, man. I'm 13 years in the league, there's no excuse for me running into my own guys like that,” he said.
Kelce, 35, said he did not know how long Worthy would be sidelined and expressed hope for a speedy return. “He is going to take the league by storm when he gets back, he is one of our best players,” Kelce said. “I run into him and all of a sudden, one of the biggest pieces of the gameplan is out of the game.”
Worthy, one of the Chiefs’ fastest players, had been expected to be a significant part of the offense. The injury occurred with the team preparing for a rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Reid has kept the club’s public comments brief; he did not provide a timetable and reiterated the day-to-day status when asked about Worthy’s condition.
Chiefs players and coaches have emphasized that the team will await medical evaluations before confirming any roster or game-plan changes. The club’s decision to play an international regular-season game in Brazil drew attention as the NFL continues to expand its global schedule, and the early loss of a key offensive playmaker added an immediate strategic concern for Kansas City.
Kelce apologized directly to Worthy on the podcast, saying, “I owe my guy big time. X knows it. I felt like s—.” He said the mishap was particularly frustrating because it occurred on the opening drive, when Worthy had what Kelce described as “his guy beat.”
The Chiefs and Worthy’s representatives have not offered an updated medical timeline. The team’s next scheduled game will test how Kansas City adjusts its receiving corps and play-calling while assessments continue.