Chiefs' Smith, Gray, Roland-Wallace ruled out for Thanksgiving game vs. Cowboys

The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day with significant roster adjustments due to injuries.

Why it matters: The Chiefs are navigating critical absences, particularly in their offensive line and tight end positions, which could impact their performance against a formidable Dallas defense.

  • Trey Smith, a Pro Bowl right guard, will miss his second game of the season after suffering a sprained ankle during a recent matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
  • Noah Gray, who has become an integral part of the passing game, is sidelined with a concussion sustained in the last game.

What’s new: The Chiefs have made strategic moves to fill the gaps left by injured players.

  • Mike Caliendo is expected to step in for Smith, bringing knowledge of the system that head coach Matt Nagy values. “He knows everything [in the system]. To be able to step in and do the things he did, it's valuable for us,” Nagy said regarding Caliendo's readiness.
  • Robert Tonyan will take over for Gray, while second-year player Jared Wiley is set to make his season debut.

Yes, but: While the replacements bring depth, the Chiefs will need to maintain their offensive rhythm against Dallas’ defensive schemes.

  • The Cowboys, known for their aggressive 4-3 defensive setup, could exploit any lapses in protection or the timing of the Chiefs' passing game.
  • Isiah Pacheco is confirmed to return as the starting running back after missing several weeks due to a knee injury, which adds a dynamic element back to the offense.

What to watch: The effectiveness of the Chiefs’ offensive line replacements will be crucial during this high-stakes game.

  • With both Trey Smith and Chris Roland-Wallace ruled out, Kansas City's ability to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes could dictate the pace and outcome of the game.
  • Nohl Williams, a rookie cornerback, is also stepping into a significant role as the nickel cornerback for the Chiefs, enhancing competition within the secondary.

Zoom Out: This game not only features key personnel shifts but also showcases broader trends within the NFL regarding roster management around injury.

  • As teams adapt to injuries, the depth of their rosters is tested, showcasing the importance of player development and versatility.
  • The Chiefs have 10 days to rest and recover after this game, offering them a brief respite before facing the Houston Texans in Week 14.

The bottom line: The Chiefs will need to leverage their existing talent and newly adapted strategies to overcome the challenges posed by injuries and the Dallas Cowboys’ robust defense on Thanksgiving Day.

whiproute logo