![[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 5, 2025; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) looks on against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half during a NFL game at Corinthians Arena.](https://statico.profootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/10112639/i-just-gotta-be-better-09-10-25.jpg "‘I Just Gotta Be Better, Man’ -- Travis Kelce Takes Accountability For Injuring Chiefs Teammate Xavier Worthy")
Week One of the NFL season is in the books, and unfortunately — as is the case every year — several players went down with injuries.
One of them was second-year Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy, who dislocated his shoulder after colliding with Travis Kelce on a route during Kansas City’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Kelce has since spoken out about the incident, taking accountability for Worthy’s injury.
Travis Kelce Takes Blame After Collision Leaves Xavier Worthy Injured
In addition to the Chiefs’ loss to the Chargers on Friday night, the team also received some brutal news: Worthy, who was expected to be a key piece of Kansas City’s offense this season, dislocated his shoulder early in the game.
Worthy and Kelce were running a mesh concept, and as they crossed paths, Kelce accidentally collided with the young wide receiver, sending him crashing to the ground. The Chiefs run the mesh to create a natural pick on defenders, but instead of bumping a Chargers player, Kelce hit Worthy.
.@chiefs friendly fire between @tkelce & @XavierWorthy Big Ouch! #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/iBWvvvFxXr
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 6, 2025
It’s a costly mistake, as Worthy is now expected to be week-to-week and miss some time.
On his podcast, “New Heights”, Kelce broke down the incident and took full accountability for injuring his teammate, explaining that as a veteran in the league, mistakes like that simply can’t happen.
“I’m supposed to be running my route at depth for Worthy,” Kelce said. “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 [sic]. 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.”
RELATED: Week 2 Fantasy TE Trade Targets Include David Njoku, Travis Kelce, and Sam LaPorta
Kelce is one of the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history and has long been one of the best players in the league. He’s run that mesh concept thousands of times, and it’s clear that he knows it was a mental error that cost his team.
He went on to say he doesn’t know exactly how long Worthy will be out, but hopes he returns as soon as possible. Kelce also praised the young wideout’s work ethic, calling him one of the Chiefs’ best players.
With wide receiver Rashee Rice already suspended, if Worthy misses this week’s game, the Chiefs’ offense will be far from full strength when they face the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles. This Super Bowl rematch will kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 14, with coverage on CBS.
