Chiefs’ injury situation vs. Cowboys on Thanksgiving gets even worse, now impacting starters on both sides of the ball

The Kansas City Chiefs have run into some injury struggles against the Dallas Cowboys.

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor
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The Kansas City Chiefs can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to injuries in the Week 13 Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys.

In the first half of the game, the team seemingly lost starting S Bryan Cook to a right ankle injury, leaving the team severely depleted at safety. Now, the team is dealing with an injury situation on the right side of the offensive line.

Toward the end of the first half, Chiefs RT Jawaan Taylor suffered an elbow injury on a seemingly inane play. He was evaluated during halftime, with swing tackle Jaylon Moore replacing him at the right tackle spot to start the second half. The team ruled Taylor questionable due to the elbow injury.

The Chiefs were already shorthanded on the right side of the offensive line heading into this game

Remember, the Chiefs already have RG Mike Caliendo filling in for starting RG Trey Smith, who is dealing with two ankle injuries. That means the entire right side of the offensive line is made up of replacement players right now. Thankfully, Caliendo and Moore have some chemistry, as they played together at Western Michigan in college.

If Taylor can’t return, the depth for Kansas City on the offensive line is in a dire situation. The Chiefs elevated OT Esa Pole from the practice squad, but he’s alongside Smith on the inactive list.

Chiefs’ Remaining Healthy Offensive Linemen for Week 13

  • OL Hunter Nourzad (Guard/Center flexibility)
  • OT Wanya Morris (Guard/Tackle flexibility)

Moore coming in for Taylor isn’t the end of the world. In fact, some fans will consider him an upgrade. With the offense struggling during their last three possessions, there’s little room for error. The more moving parts, the more likely it is that Kansas City will run into problems.

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