Who’s left? Another Chiefs standout won’t finish the season because of injury
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Trey Smith ends season with ankle injury after 12 games; Pro Bowl guard
- Mike Caliendo likely replaces Smith; team lists four players as questionable
- Reid credits young players' snaps for development amid mass injuries and absences
With one game remaining, add guard Trey Smith to the list of Chiefs players shut down for the season because of injury.
Smith has been dealing with an ankle injury over the past few weeks and has missed a handful of games. He’ll have played in 12 games this season, the fewest in his five-year career.
Smith, who was named to the Pro Bowl for the second straight year, entered the season having just signed a four-year, $94 million contract extension that made him the NFL’s highest-paid guard.
Mike Caliendo has gotten the starting assignments in Smith’s absence and likely would get the call Sunday at the Las Vegas Raiders.
Four others are listed as questionable: tackle Jaylon Moore, running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive linemen George Karlaftis and Jerry Tillery. They were limited participants in practice on Friday.
Smith joins, among others, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, wide receivers Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton, cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, tackles Josh Simmons and Jawaan Taylor and linebacker Leo Chenal — all of whom are on injured reserve — in finishing the season less than fully healthy.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said wide receiver Xavier Worthy is questionable for Sunday’s game.
“He’s sick, so we’ll have to see,” Reid said.
Who does that leave available for Sunday’s game, KC’s first season finale without playoff implications under Reid’s leadership?
Chu Godrick and Esa Pole, with a combined seven games of NFL experience, were the starting tackles against the Denver Broncos on Christmas. Rookie wide receiver Jaylen Royals made his first start in that game, too.
And rookie cornerback Nohl Williams and running back/return specialist Brashard Smith have been getting more snaps.
“Every chance some of these young guys have to play, benefits the team (and) benefits them being a part of the team,” Reid said. “I’d tell you that the last few games. If there’s a plus that you can take out of it, then that’d be it.”
This story was originally published January 2, 2026 at 3:20 PM.