Chiefs Announce Devastating News for Patrick Mahomes Before Must-Win Thanksgiving Game vs. Dallas Cowboys

Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will be without one of their key offensive players for Thursday’s pivotal Thanksgiving game against the Dallas Cowboys.

On Wednesday, the Chiefs announced that Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith has been ruled out for Thursday’s contest at AT&T Stadium, along with tight end Noah Gray and cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace.

After Sunday’s home win against the Indianapolis Colts, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Trey Smith suffered an ankle injury and would likely miss some action. In the offseason, he signed a four-year extension worth $94 million.

Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to a thrilling 23-20 comeback win in overtime at home over the surprising Colts. The victory moved KC to 6-5 on the year, keeping them one game behind the three wild card holders, the 7-4 Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Chargers.

Through 11 games, Mahomes has completed 64.4 percent of pass attempts for 2,977 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions, per Pro Football Reference.

Patrick Mahomes Faces The Cowboys For Just The Second Time In His Career

Patrick Mahomes (Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images)

As hard as it is to believe, this will only be Mahomes’ second career start against the Dallas Cowboys. He was Alex Smith’s backup during his 2017 rookie year when the Chiefs last visited the Cowboys, a 28-17 Dallas win.

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Mahomes and the Chiefs defeated Dallas 19-9 at Arrowhead Stadium in their Nov. 2021 meeting. In that game, Mahomes completed 23 pass attempts for 260 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.

Through the NFL’s “17th game format”, the Chiefs instead had an extra regular season game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, as both teams finished first in their respective divisions the year before. Unless Dallas and Kansas City a) meet in a Super Bowl or b) win their respective divisions in 2026 to set up a “17th game”, this will be their last meeting for another four years.