The stage is set for an electrifying Thanksgiving Day showdown in Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season, as the Dallas Cowboys welcome the Kansas City Chiefs to AT&T Stadium. All eyes are locked on the Cowboys, who are chasing their third straight victory—a streak that would finally push them above .500 for the first time this year. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, fresh off snapping a frustrating two-game skid with a gritty win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12, are hungry to reclaim their dominant form.
Under the masterful guidance of Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have reigned as one of the NFL’s elite powerhouses in recent years, even reaching the Super Bowl just last season. But 2025 has thrown them curveballs, testing their resilience like never before. Still, counting out this star-studded squad is a fool’s errand—they thrive under pressure, which means the Cowboys must bring their A-game to secure a statement win on this national holiday spotlight.
As kickoff approaches, the injury bug has bitten both teams hard. Let’s break down the final injury reports and the all-important inactive lists, highlighting the absences that could swing this high-stakes battle.
Dallas Cowboys Injury Report
- OUT: Tyler Guyton, LT (Ankle)
- QUESTIONABLE: Caelen Carson, CB (Hamstring)
Kansas City Chiefs Injury Report
- OUT: Trey Smith, OG (Ankle); Noah Gray, TE (Concussion); Chris Roland-Wallace, CB (Back)
Now, onto the inactives—the players sidelined for today’s clash. For the Cowboys, the hits keep coming, especially on defense, where they’re already feeling the pinch.
Dallas Cowboys Inactives
- Jaydon Blue, RB
- Jonathan Mingo, WR
- Tyler Guyton, OT
- Jay Toia, DT
- Perrion Winfrey, DT
- Caelen Carson, CB
Embed X: https://twitter.com/NickHarrisFWST/status/1994136861305172048
The biggest blow? Key cornerback Caelen Carson couldn’t shake off his hamstring issue, leaving Dallas’s secondary dangerously thin and vulnerable. Anticipating this potential crisis, the Cowboys made a savvy move by elevating veteran Corey Ballentine from the practice squad to bolster their depth. With Mahomes slinging passes to a potent Chiefs receiving corps, this could be the weak spot Kansas City exploits—if Dallas doesn’t adjust fast.
Kansas City Chiefs Inactives
- Elijah Mitchell, RB
- Jalen Royals, WR
- Noah Gray, TE
- Trey Smith, G
- Esa Pole, OL
- Kristian Fulton, CB
- Chris Roland-Wallace, CB
Embed X: https://twitter.com/KCChiefs_Matt/status/1994137858643210645
On the Chiefs’ side, the absence of Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith looms largest, creating a golden opportunity for the Cowboys’ defensive line to dominate the interior. Without Smith’s anchoring presence, Kansas City’s offensive line could crumble under pressure, giving Dallas a crucial edge in the trenches.
This Thanksgiving matchup promises fireworks, with both teams battling injuries and momentum swings. Can the Cowboys capitalize on the Chiefs’ vulnerabilities and notch that elusive winning record? Or will Mahomes and company silence the doubters once again? Buckle up—football fans are in for a feast!