Kansas City, MO – With the playoffs hanging by a thread, the Kansas City Chiefs are facing yet another crisis on their offensive line. Star right guard Trey Smith, the team’s $94 million Pro Bowler, has suffered a concerning setback in his recovery from a back injury, casting a shadow over the Chiefs’ pivotal Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Smith, who has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive front since entering the league, missed three games this season – including the last two – due to the nagging back issue. After showing promise by fully participating in practice on Wednesday, December 10, the 26-year-old lineman regressed on Thursday, limited in his workload. This development comes at the worst possible time for a team desperately needing to win out to secure an 11th straight playoff berth.
“Trent McDuffie, Hollywood Brown, and Trey Smith were limited in practice today,” the Chiefs announced via their official X account on Thursday. “Jawaan Taylor, Wanya Morris, and Nick Bolton did not practice.” The update underscores the mounting injury woes plaguing Kansas City as they prepare for a must-win divisional clash.
Prior to 2025, Smith had been remarkably durable, sitting out just one game over his first four NFL seasons. His stellar performance last year earned him Pro Bowl honors, leading to a lucrative four-year, $94 million contract extension that solidified his role as a key protector for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith ranks as the No. 21 offensive guard in the NFL this season among 80 qualifiers, highlighting his value despite the injury interruptions.
The setback isn’t isolated. The Chiefs’ offensive line has been decimated, contributing to a season-high 29 sacks allowed and relentless pressure on Mahomes. In their recent loss to the Houston Texans, the unit surrendered two sacks and eight quarterback hits, factors that played into Mahomes’ uncharacteristic three-interception performance – arguably the worst game of his career.
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Adding to the turmoil, starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor remains sidelined with a triceps injury and a lingering knee problem. Taylor hasn’t practiced in two weeks, missing last week’s preparations entirely and sitting out Thursday’s session. Reserve left tackle Wanya Morris is also in jeopardy, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting on December 8 that he could miss the rest of the year due to a knee injury. While his outlook has slightly improved, Morris is expected to sit out at least the Chargers game.
These injuries couldn’t come at a more critical juncture. The Chiefs, clinging to playoff hopes, must defeat the Chargers on Sunday to keep their postseason dreams alive. A victory would not only kickstart a necessary winning streak but also deal a blow to Los Angeles, who currently hold a tiebreaker edge. Kansas City needs the Chargers to finish 1-3 or worse in their final games, while also requiring the Indianapolis Colts to go 2-2 or worse down the stretch.
On a brighter note for the Chiefs, their defense might hold the key to victory. Linebacker Nick Bolton (illness) and cornerback Trent McDuffie (knee hyperextension) are trending toward playing, despite limited or no practice time. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo could exploit the Chargers’ vulnerabilities, as Los Angeles boasts the league’s worst offensive line per Pro Football Focus. In Week 14, the Chargers’ front allowed a staggering 26 pressures and one sack against the Philadelphia Eagles, earning the lowest pass-blocking efficiency rating of the week.
“Although Justin Herbert’s heroics kept the Chargers afloat, the team’s offensive line was no match for the Eagles’ pass rush,” noted PFF’s Zoltan Buday. This mismatch could allow Spagnuolo’s creative blitz schemes to dominate, potentially turning the tide in Kansas City’s favor.
As the Chiefs gear up for this do-or-die showdown, the setback to Trey Smith serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of their season. With four must-win games remaining, any further misfortune could spell the end of an era for the perennial contenders. Fans will be watching closely on Sunday, hoping their $94 million guardian can rally in time to protect Mahomes and salvage the playoff push.