Cowboys Face Thanksgiving Test With Key Injuries on Both Sides

The Dallas Cowboys enter Thanksgiving week with renewed optimism after staging a dramatic comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles, a victory that steadied their season and reenergized their playoff aspirations. The emotional lift, however, comes with little time to recover, as another heavyweight opponent awaits under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium.

Kansas City arrives on a short week as well, setting up a marquee holiday showdown between two teams with postseason pedigree but lingering questions on offense. For Dallas, those questions revolve primarily around the availability of starting left tackle Tyler Guyton, who exited Sunday’s game with an ankle injury that could keep him sidelined.

Guyton’s absence comes at a challenging moment. The coaching staff has praised his recent development, and he has been an important stabilizing force on a reshaped offensive line. Now, the Cowboys must pivot quickly to preserve the protection structure that keeps Dak Prescott upright and their ground game effective.

In a season defined by momentum swings, Thursday’s matchup offers Dallas an opportunity to strengthen its footing in the NFC race — but it will require resourcefulness, adjustments, and discipline against a championship-tested Chiefs team dealing with its own injury concerns.

1. Guyton’s Injury and the Cowboys’ Adjustment Plan

Dallas appears poised to move forward without Guyton after he suffered a high ankle sprain in the second half of the win over Philadelphia. Early indications suggest the second-year tackle will not be available for Thursday’s game, leaving the coaching staff to reconfigure one of the most important positions on the field. Nathan Thomas stepped in against the Eagles and performed effectively, earning trust from teammates and coaches as he prepares for a starting role. His task will be substantial: protecting Prescott’s blindside against a Kansas City defense known for generating pressure from multiple fronts. Before the injury, Guyton was beginning to show why Dallas invested a first-round pick in him. He produced one of his best performances of the season against Las Vegas, allowing no pressures across 67 snaps, and has allowed only two sacks overall this year. His improved consistency helped fuel a more reliable run game during the Cowboys’ recent stretch. Replacing a young tackle midseason is especially challenging, but Dallas will need to lean into its next-man-up philosophy. Creative game-planning — from protection adjustments to tempo changes — may be necessary to keep the offense on track.

2. Offensive Momentum at Stake for Dallas

The Cowboys’ resurgence in recent weeks has been driven by more cohesive offensive play, including steadier blocking and greater balance between the run and pass. Missing a starting tackle puts that progress to the test at a pivotal moment. Prescott has been at his best when operating from a clean pocket, where he can utilize his full range of reads and maintain rhythm. Any disruption up front, especially on the blindside, increases the need for quicker decisions and schematic tweaks designed to mitigate pressure. The running game has also benefited from improved line play, with Guyton contributing significantly to zone-blocking execution. Without him, Dallas may rely increasingly on misdirection, perimeter runs, and quicker-developing concepts to sustain production. Momentum is always fragile in the NFL, especially with a compressed schedule. For Dallas, maintaining offensive continuity despite the personnel shuffle could determine whether the team builds on its emotional win or struggles to replicate that performance.

3. Kansas City’s Own Line Concerns

The Chiefs enter Thanksgiving with injury issues of their own, particularly at right guard, where Pro Bowl lineman Trey Smith is doubtful due to an ankle injury. His potential absence would force Kansas City to adjust its interior blocking, a foundational component of its offensive structure. Smith’s physical presence and reliability have long been assets for the Chiefs, especially in high-leverage situations. Losing him alters how Kansas City manages pressure, run concepts, and protections, especially against aggressive fronts like Dallas’. Both teams dealing with injuries along the offensive line may lead to a matchup where adaptability is critical. Coaches could turn to quicker passing, altered protection formations, and heavier personnel to minimize risk. Despite the uncertainty, Dallas understands that outperforming Kansas City requires physical and mental toughness. The Cowboys showcased resolve last week, and they will need a similar level of commitment to outlast a franchise that has set the league’s gold standard for resilience.