STWF Sports | Nov. 25, 2025 – The Kansas City Chiefs don’t have much time to savor Sunday’s dramatic overtime escape. Just four days after clawing out a season-saving 23–20 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Andy Reid’s team is already shifting focus to a massive Thanksgiving matchup against the Dallas Cowboys — and they may be limping into Arlington with a compromised roster.
Kansas City improved to 6–5 with Sunday’s comeback, keeping their fading playoff hopes alive, but the quick turnaround has exposed a worrying injury list that could reshape their offensive game plan in Week 13.
Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy Limited to Start the Week
Wide receiver Rashee Rice, the Chiefs’ most explosive playmaker against Indianapolis, opened the week on the injury report with a hamstring issue. Rice was instrumental in the win, recording eight receptions for 141 yards, including five catches in the second half and overtime as Patrick Mahomes’ go-to option.
Rookie standout Xavier Worthy was also listed as limited due to an ankle injury. Worthy played through the ailment on Sunday, finishing with four catches for 59 yards on eight targets. The first-round pick has battled injuries all year, including a shoulder dislocation in Week 1 that cost him multiple games.
Both Rice and Worthy will have only two more walkthrough-style practices before the Chiefs must finalize their designations for Thursday’s game — leaving their status a major storyline heading into the holiday showcase.
Mahomes Appears on Injury Report, but Practices Fully
There was a brief scare for Kansas City fans when quarterback Patrick Mahomes appeared on the injury report with a groin issue. But the three-time Super Bowl champion was a full participant and is not in danger of missing Thursday’s game.
Mahomes was spectacular late against the Colts, overcoming an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit and finishing with 352 passing yards. His leadership — mixed with a humorous jab from All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce — was a focal point after the win.
“He’s our fearless leader,” Kelce said. “The most competitive human being I know. We love him for how he leads this team on the field and throughout the week. Right now, he’s leading us into victory — it’s the best.”
Isiah Pacheco’s Return Could Provide a Boost
While the Chiefs’ receivers deal with injuries, Kansas City may finally be getting healthier in the backfield.
Running back Isiah Pacheco, who has missed a month with a knee injury, is trending toward a return. The second-year star averaged 4.2 yards per carry before being sidelined on October 27. He practiced last week, but Reid opted against playing him twice in a five-day span.
“I think he’s coming out pretty good,” Reid said Friday. “I think that’s a plus.”
Veteran Kareem Hunt delivered his best performance of the season filling in, rushing 30 times for 104 yards and a touchdown against Indianapolis.
Still, the offense has missed Pacheco’s burst, and his return against Dallas could be a significant momentum swing.
Thanksgiving Ratings History Looms
The Chiefs and Cowboys will already be playing under one of the biggest annual spotlights in sports, but this year’s meeting could reach historic levels.
The 2022 Thanksgiving game between Dallas and the New York Giants drew 42.1 million viewers — the most-watched regular-season game in NFL history. With Mahomes and Kelce in the mix, the league believes that record could be in jeopardy.
For the Chiefs, there’s far more at stake than TV numbers. Kansas City remains behind both the Broncos and Chargers in the AFC West race, and another loss would place their postseason streak — which spans Mahomes’ entire career — in grave danger.
A battered roster, a short week, and a primetime opponent await. For the Chiefs, survival mode continues.
