The Kansas City Chiefs had to go to overtime to beat the Indianapolis Colts, which is a worst-case scenario for recovery given the short week and an upcoming road game as the Chiefs prepare for their Thanksgiving contest against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. The close game was also a hard-fought battle, and it’s showing up on the injury report, which included both receiver Rashee Rice and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Rice was estimated to be limited, according to a story written by Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, which is significant since he was one of Sunday’s stars. He had eight catches overall for 140 yards against the Colts, with most of those coming in the second half and in overtime.
Mahomes, meanwhile, would have been a full participant in a full-tilt practice, but he’s apparently dealing with a groin strain. Both injuries are very much worth watching, of course, given how badly the Chiefs need this one to keep their playoff-berth momentum alive.
The line also took a beating, and right Guard Trey Smith is expected to be out due to an ankle problem. Tight end Noah Gray is also unlikely given that he was listed as being out of practice due to concussion symptoms.
Other limited players included linebacker Leo Chenal (knee) and receiver Xavier Worthy (ankle), and Worthy has been dealing with his ankle injury for a couple of weeks now.
Multiple players were full participants but still turned up on the report as they deal with a variety of issues. This list included defensive end George Karlaftis (thumb), running back Isiah Pacheco (knee), cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace (back) and right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee).
Pacheco’s potential return could be especially important, given that fellow running back Kareem Hunt took on a heavier load than usual, carrying the ball 30 times for 104 yards and a touchdown. Hunt wasn’t on the report, but it would be shocking if he took on that kind of workload again in Dallas.
The Cowboys injury report listed receiver George Pickens (knee/calf), offensive tackle Tyler Guyton (ankle), defensive tackles Odighizuwa (elbow) and wide receiver KaVontae Turpin as players who would have been out in a padded practice, so both teams will be beat up to at least some extent. Dallas is coming off a comeback win against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, 24-21, and they're back in the hunt for a playoff berth with a puncher's chance at a division title.