Cowboys Face Chiefs on Thanksgiving With Key Injuries on Both Sides

The Dallas Cowboys will take the national stage again on Thursday afternoon as they host the Kansas City Chiefs in the annual Thanksgiving Day spotlight. Dallas enters the matchup looking to rise above .500 for the first time this season, boosted by the momentum of last week’s dramatic comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles. That victory featured a 21-point rally and gave the Cowboys renewed optimism as they try to stabilize their season.

However, their preparations for the Chiefs took a hit less than 24 hours before kickoff. Dallas learned Wednesday that starting offensive tackle Tyler Guyton will miss the game with a high-ankle injury, removing a key pass protector against one of the NFL’s hottest defensive fronts. The loss adds an unwelcome layer of difficulty for an offense that relies heavily on timing and clean pockets for Dak Prescott.

Kansas City, meanwhile, will arrive in Dallas with its own injury concerns. The Chiefs ruled out guard Trey Smith, tight end Noah Gray, and cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace, trimming depth across all three phases. Running back Isiah Pacheco, however, cleared injury designation and is expected to return, giving Kansas City a major boost in the backfield.

Even with the personnel challenges on both sidelines, the matchup shapes up as one of the marquee contests of the holiday slate. The Cowboys will attempt to carry their second-half energy from last week into a game where execution, discipline, and protection will be critical against the defending AFC champions.

1. Cowboys Adjusting Without Tyler Guyton

The absence of Tyler Guyton leaves Dallas scrambling to reconfigure its offensive line ahead of a difficult assignment. As a starting tackle, Guyton has played a significant role in securing the edge for Prescott and establishing rhythm in the passing game. His mobility and discipline have helped the Cowboys counter various defensive looks, making his loss particularly impactful on short notice. Against a Chiefs defense trending upward, pass protection becomes even more vital. Kansas City showcased its defensive resurgence in last Sunday’s overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts, generating consistent pressure and winning key moments at the line of scrimmage. For Dallas, the challenge now shifts to maintaining cohesion with a reshuffled unit against a front known for exploiting mismatches. Prescott has weathered pressure effectively at times this season, but Dallas still leans heavily on its offensive line to create enough stability for its vertical concepts to develop. Backup linemen will be tasked with replicating Guyton’s reliability, a tall task on a short week and against elite competition. The Cowboys may need to lean more heavily on quick-game concepts or additional blocking help to limit Kansas City’s pressure. Still, Dallas’ second-half surge against Philadelphia demonstrated how quickly the team can turn momentum when its protection holds and its offense operates decisively. The question now is whether that formula can carry over without one of its core linemen.

2. Chiefs Missing Multiple Starters but Regain Pacheco

Kansas City’s injury situation presents its own set of complications as it prepares for the road test. Guard Trey Smith’s absence weakens the interior of the offensive line, potentially affecting both pass protection for Patrick Mahomes and run-game efficiency. Tight end Noah Gray’s absence also trims depth behind Travis Kelce, reducing the flexibility of Kansas City’s two-tight-end packages. On the defensive side, losing cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace removes another rotational piece from a unit that has relied on versatility and communication throughout the season. His absence may place additional strain on the secondary, especially against Dallas’ perimeter-focused passing concepts. The good news for the Chiefs is the return of Isiah Pacheco, who carries no injury designation entering the matchup. His availability provides Kansas City with a dynamic runner capable of setting the tone on early downs and creating balance for the offense. His aggressive style also complements Mahomes’ improvisational ability, giving the Chiefs a layered attack even amid other personnel losses. While Kansas City is accustomed to adjusting on the fly, Thursday’s injuries reshape the structural dynamics on both sides of the ball, affecting everything from protection schemes to route distributions.

3. Momentum and Urgency Blend Into a High-Stakes Holiday Matchup

Dallas’ comeback win over Philadelphia stands as the team’s most emotional performance of the season, a rally that highlighted resilience and explosive potential. Replicating that urgency from the opening whistle will be essential as the Cowboys confront a Chiefs team known for capitalizing on slow starts by opponents. The Cowboys’ challenge lies in balancing aggression with discipline. A fast tempo helped fuel their rally last week, but maintaining that rhythm against Kansas City’s pass rush requires stability up front despite Guyton’s absence. Early efficiency in both the run and pass games could help Dallas prevent the Chiefs from dictating pace or coverage structure. Kansas City, meanwhile, will look to erase the inconsistency that has marked stretches of its early-season play. With Mahomes under center and Pacheco back in action, the Chiefs have enough offensive firepower to pressure Dallas from start to finish. Their defense, which has rediscovered its intensity in recent weeks, remains a central factor in any potential road success. With both teams battling injuries but still positioned to make statements, the Thanksgiving matchup promises competitive tension from start to finish. For Dallas, the pathway to an upset hinges on channeling last week’s spark into a complete performance—one that withstands pressure, avoids early deficits, and capitalizes on home-field energy.