Cowboys inactives announcement puts rookie under the spotlight ahead of Thanksgiving matchup vs Chiefs

The Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs revealed their inactive players ahead of their Week 13 Thanksgiving matchup.

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer
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Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Caelen Carson (21) warms up prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
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The Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs square off on a much-anticipated Thanksgiving matchup at 4:30 p.m. ET. But first things first. As every gameday, both squads released their inactives 90 minutes before kickoff.

For the Cowboys, the suspense lied at cornerback. Caelen Carson—who has started the last two games at outside corner—worked out earlier in the day to determine his availability. The workout apparently go too well. Carson will be inactive.

The news means a lot for rookie Shavon Revel Jr. ahead of a matchup in which the Cowboys need top-tier play from their cornerbacks. He’ll be tasked with starting alongside DaRon Bland and in all likelihood, Reddy Steward will man the nickel. An alternative would be to play Bland inside and Trikweze Bridges outside. The Chiefs have a talented and speedy WR room in Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, and it’s an offense that likes to put opponent’s coverage to the test with crossing routes.

Considering Patrick Mahomes’ experience versus zone coverages and the Cowboys’ new five-man defensive front, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is likely going to ask his corners to play in man coverage a lot on Thursday.

Full list of Cowboys’ inactives for Week 13

  • LT Tyler Guyton
  • CB Caelen Carson
  • DT Jay Toia
  • RB Jaydon Blue
  • WR Jonathan Mingo
  • DT Perrion Winfrey

PRACTICE SQUAD ELEVATION: CB Corey Ballentine

Other notes on Cowboys inactives

  • Nate Thomas is slated to start at left tackle with starter Tyler Guyton out with an ankle injury.
  • Jalen Tolbert’s run as a healthy scratch lasted one week. He’s back in the active roster with Jonathan Mingo returning to healthy scratch status.
  • Jaydon Blue watch: Another game on the bench for the fifth-round rookie. Malik Davis has a firm grasp over the RB2 role. He broke out for a 21-yard rush last week.

Chiefs inactives

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