Chiefs-Cowboys injuries and availability for Thanksgiving NFL matchup
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs list Trey Smith and Noah Gray doubtful; Mike Caliendo to start at right guard.
- Cowboys lose left tackle Tyler Guyton; Nate Thomas expected to make start.
- Key role players limited but probable; Pacheco may return, pass rushers threaten.
The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Dallas Cowboys on the road Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, at 3:30 p.m. Central.
Both teams enter the game carrying key injury concerns.
Here’s a closer look at the situation following Tuesday’s news conferences.
Kansas City Chiefs injury report
For Kansas City, the two greatest question marks were right guard Trey Smith (ankle sprain) and backup tight end Noah Gray (concussion). Both left Sunday’s game against Indianapolis with injuries and have officially been ruled out for Thursday. Cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace (back), who played 22 defensive snaps against Indianapolis, has also been ruled out.
Fourth-year veteran lineman Mike Caliendo is expected to start at right guard in place of Smith. Caliendo has logged time at both guard positions this season, stepping into the lineup whenever needed. In 119 pass-blocking snaps, he has allowed 11 pressures, including one sack, per Pro Football Focus.
The Chiefs have often referred to Caliendo as a sixth starter, praising his reliability and readiness.
“He knows everything,” offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said. “He’s a guy that every day in practice (is reliable). I think back to training camp, just how focused (he was). You go back to last year — not just the Super Bowl but before that (in the playoffs) — to be able to step in and do the things he did. He’s valuable for us, so we have a lot of trust in him, and we think he’s in a great spot.”
Caliendo will be tested immediately against one of the NFL’s elite interior defenders — Quinnen Williams, who the Cowboys acquired from the New York Jets at the deadline.
“He’s a great player,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of Williams. “He’s done a nice job there. That front is a good, respectable front, man. They bring it, and he’s a big part of that.”
With Gray out, Robert Tonyan will move to the No. 2 tight end role, with 2024 fourth-rounder Jared Wiley probably seeing his first action of the season.
On Monday’s estimated injury report, Kansas City listed linebacker Leo Chenal (knee) and receivers Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Xavier Worthy (ankle) as limited. All three were upgraded to full participation Tuesday and will play.
Running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) will make his return to the lineup after a three-game absence.
Dallas Cowboys injury report
For the Cowboys, left tackle Tyler Guyton suffered a high-ankle sprain in Sunday’s matchup with Philadelphia, which makes it doubtful he is ready for Thursday. In his place, 2024 seventh-round pick Nate Thomas is expected to make the second start of his career. In 78 pass-blocking snaps, Thomas has surrendered 10 pressures, including one sack.
Guyton’s absence could create opportunities for Chiefs pass rushers George Karlaftis and Mike Danna. Karlaftis — despite an ongoing thumb injury — leads Kansas City with five sacks this season.
“George is fighting the brace on his hand right now,” defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. “Him and I have been talking about that a lot. Chris (Jones) and George have a really close relationship, I think that helps. They’re always talking football. … A fine young man, great character and loves football. He does anything and everything to get really good at football.”
On Monday’s estimated injury report, Dallas listed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (elbow) and receiver George Pickens (knee/calf) as non-participants. Pass rushers Jadeveon Clowney (neck) and Dante Fowler (shoulder) and safeties Malik Hooker (toe/thigh) and Donovan Wilson (neck) were listed as limited.
This story was originally published November 25, 2025 at 12:39 PM.
