Chiefs RG Trey Smith
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Coming out of Week 12, Chiefs RG Trey Smith is expected to miss time.
Although the Kansas City Chiefs came away with a big-time Week 12 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, they didn’t do so without some injuries. The most noteworthy one was on the offensive side of the ball.
In the aftermath of the victory, head coach Andy Reid confirmed right guard Trey Smith was hurt. On Monday morning, there’s new context surrounding the ailment(s) and a potential timeline.
Unfortunately for Kansas City, it’s far from the best-case scenario.
Insider: Trey Smith Nursing Ankle Sprains Entering Week 13
Per a Monday report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Smith has a high-ankle and low-ankle sprain.
Ian Rapoport
#Chiefs Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith is dealing both high- and low-ankle sprains, sources say. Smith is expected to miss some time, including likely against the #Cowboys on Thursday.
“Chiefs Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith is dealing [with] both high- and low-ankle sprains, sources say,” Rapoport’s tweet began. “Smith is expected to miss some time, including likely against the Cowboys on Thursday.”
This is undoubtedly a significant blow for the Chiefs. Smith, a fifth-year man, is the heart and soul of the team’s run blocking scheme. The former sixth-round pick was unable to finish Week 12’s 23-20 triumph, instead playing 39 snaps. That was good for 41% of those available, making him the only starting lineman to miss time in an outing where Kansas City took a staggering 96 offensive reps.
After Sunday’s win, Reid said backup guard Mike Caliendo did “a nice job” filling in for Smith. At the time, he didn’t expand on a timeline or anything of the sort. With Rapoport shedding new light on the health of Smith, it’s no surprise that he may not be able to make a quick turnaround for Thursday. As Kansas City takes on the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, it could be the Caliendo show again.
Since joining the Chiefs in 2021, Smith has played over 5,000 snaps at right guard. The Tennessee product is widely regarded as a durable piece and one of the toughest players on the team. After Sunday’s play, he’s the 11th-ranked guard in Pro Football Focus grade, which accounts for 80 players.
High-ankle sprains oftentimes take multiple weeks to recover from. That’s something to keep in mind as Smith progresses in his rehab.
This story is being updated.