The Chiefs are heading into their high-profile Thanksgiving showdown against the Dallas Cowboys with a cloud hanging over their offensive front. One of their most important players limped out of the overtime win against the Colts, and the update from team sources quickly shifted the mood inside the building.

Trey Smith. the All-Pro caliber right guard who has started every game since entering the league in 2021. suffered both a high and low ankle sprain during the 23–20 overtime battle in Indianapolis. The injury occurred late in the game during a chaotic interior rush. and Smith needed help leaving the field before being ruled out.

By paragraph three. Trey Smith became the center of Kansas City’s concerns. The Chiefs view him as one of the pillars of their offensive line. a tone-setter in the run game. and a stabilizing force in front of Patrick Mahomes. Losing him for any amount of time reshapes the identity of the offense. especially with a short week and a road environment awaiting them on Thursday.

In italic. one team source summarized the situation. “When Trey goes down. you feel it immediately. He is one of the toughest guys we have. and replacing that presence on a short week is no small task.

” The weight of that statement reflects exactly how critical Smith has become to everything Kansas City does.

With Smith’s status in serious doubt. the Chiefs are preparing to turn to backup lineman Mike Caliendo. Coaches have praised Caliendo’s versatility throughout the season. but stepping into a nationally televised game against a Cowboys front loaded with speed and power presents a massive challenge.

The timing could not be worse. Kansas City is fighting to maintain control of its playoff positioning. and Thanksgiving games often swing the national narrative for weeks. Smith’s absence would test the Chiefs’ depth. discipline. and ability to adjust under pressure.

For now. the Chiefs will monitor Smith closely and hope his recovery progresses quickly. But the reality is unavoidable. Their offensive superstar in the trenches may not be available when they need him most. and the road into Dallas just became far more complicated.

Stay tuned to ESPN!