Chiefs dealt double Thanksgiving blow but Andy Reid handed major boost with return of star weapon

Nov 25, 2025 - 16:00

The Kansas City Chiefs don’t have time to rest with the Dallas Cowboys awaiting them on Thursday.

After securing a crucial 23-20 overtime win against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday to keep their faint playoffs hopes alive, the Chiefs are heading to Arlington, Texas on Thanksgiving, and they may be without a few key players.

OVMBER 23: Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid stands on the sidelines during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) — Andy Reid had a few players not able to fully practise on Monday

Rashee Rice and Xaiver Worthy listed as limited in practice

Wider receiver Rashee Rice was crucial in the win over the Colts, but was dealt a blow on Monday when he was listed the team’s injury report due to a hamstring issue.

The wideout made eight catches for 141 yards, with five coming in the second half and overtime alone.

Xavier Worthy was also listed as a limited participant as he continues to deal with an ankle injury.

Worthy played on Sunday and, despite his issues, was able to catch four of his eight targets for 59 yards.

He missed a couple of games earlier this season due to a shoulder disolocacton suffered in Week 1.

Both Worthy and Rice will have two more opportunities to log a full practice before the Chiefs have to report their Week 13 injury designations ahead of Thursday’s game.

Mahomes on injury report with groin injury

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was crucial in the final moments of the Colts win, was also on the injury report ahead of Thursday’s game.

The three-time Super Bowl champion has a groin injury; however, he was a full participant in practice.

Mahome showed up when the Chiefs needed him the most against the Colts as they overturned an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

This was something Travis Kelce acknowledged when talking to reporters, although he did it with a cheeky dig at his long-time teammate.

Rashee Rice #4 and Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs walk off the field after a win over the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. — Rice injured his hamstring before returning to the game but was limited in practice on Monday

Isiah Pacheco in Chiefs uniform against the Cleveland Browns — Star running back Isiah Pacheco is looking to return against the Cowboys

talkSPORT reacts.. another must-win game for the Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs at Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are the betting underdogs against the Chiefs on Thursday, but they will be full of confidence after their stunning comeback win against the world champion Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Dallas was in a 21-0 hole against the Eagles but fought back to pull off a miraculous 24-21 victory.

The Chiefs had their own mini-comeback against the Colts and, at least for now, have alleviated some of the pressure of potentially not making the postseason.

However, Thursday is still a must-win game for KC, with Andy Reid’s team still outside the top seven Wild Card spots.

Every loss represents a major setback at this point in the season, something they can ill-afford with the Broncos and Chargers leading the way in the AFC West.

Mohamud Ahmed, US Sports Writer

“He’s our fearless leader,” Kelce said.

“That guy is the most competitive human being I know. We love him for how he leads this team on the field, in practice, throughout the week. Right now, he’s leading us to into victory, it’s the best.”

RB Isiah Pacheco could return vs the Cowboys

One piece of good news is the possible return of star running back Isiah Pacheco.

The 26-year-old has been out since October 27, when he suffered a knee injury in the win over the Washington Commanders.

Before his injury, Pacheco was averaging 4.2 rushing yards per attempt.

He has been in practice for the last week, but head coach Andy Reid did not want him to play two games in five days.

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass in the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium — Mahomes came up clutch against the Colts to keep the Chiefs in the hunt

“I think he’s coming out pretty good,” Reid said Friday of Pacheco. “I think that’s a plus.”

Veteran Kareem Hunt has stepped in for Pacheco in his absence and recorded a season-high 30 rushing attempts and 104 rushing yards along with a touchdown against the Colts.

Both Mahomes and Kelce will make history when they take to the field against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving.

With 42.1 million viewers, the 2022 Thanksgiving game between the Cowboys and New York Giants remains the most-watched regular-season NFL contest, but that record could be in serious jeopardy when the iconic pair takes the field at AT&T Stadium.

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