Cowboys' defense catches big break ahead of Week 13 game vs. Chiefs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Dallas Cowboys will take on the reigning AFC champions in a Week 13 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn that game, the Chiefs will be without arguably their best offensive lineman in guard Trey Smith, who is dealing with both high- and low-ankle sprains that will keep him out for Thursday's contest.
"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," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported.
Fellow guard Mike Caliendo will be the next man up for Kansas City.
The veteran guard has given up one sack and 11 pressures in 128 pass-blocking snaps in 2025, per Pro Football Focus. In just 35 pass-blocking snaps in Week 12, Caliendo surrendered four pressures and posted a 35.9 pass-blocking grade, which is not good.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCaliendo has proven to be an effective run-blocker, though, as he's working with a 76.8 grade in that area.
This is a big break for the Cowboys, who now have a better chance of dominating in the trenches against Kansas City's offense.
Granted, a pairing of Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark was already going to be a problem, but that duo now stands to create even more havoc on Thanksgiving without the Chiefs' Pro Bowl guard in the lineup.
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