The Kansas City Chiefs will be without a key offensive piece for their high-stakes Thanksgiving showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. Tight end Noah Gray has been officially ruled out for the Week 13 matchup as he remains in the NFL's concussion protocol.
Injury Report and Short Week Challenge
The team confirmed the news, as reported by Nate Taylor and RotoWire, following Gray's inability to practice throughout the short week. He did not participate in sessions on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. The compressed schedule leading up to the Thursday game left no realistic window for him to clear the mandatory protocol steps and receive medical clearance to play.
The timing of this absence is particularly significant. The Chiefs are set to face the Cowboys on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This annual Thanksgiving game is traditionally one of the most-watched windows of the entire NFL regular season.
Impact on Chiefs' Offensive Strategy
Losing Gray puts a strain on a Kansas City team that is fighting to stabilise a 6-5 season and secure its playoff position. Gray has served as the primary second tight end all season, playing a steady and reliable role in quarterback Patrick Mahomes' intermediate passing structure.
His absence forces a shift in the team's offensive personnel. With Gray sidelined, the Chiefs will now turn to backups Robert Tonyan and Jared Wiley to handle the snaps behind superstar Travis Kelce. This change in depth is a major concern on a short week of preparation, especially against a formidable Dallas defense known for its pressure and tight man-to-man coverage.
Broader Context for the Chiefs
The injury woes do not end with Gray. The team has also ruled out All-Pro guard Trey Smith and cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace. These additional absences leave the Chiefs thin on the interior offensive line and in the slot cornerback position.
This puts more pressure on the offense to execute with clean timing and for secondary targets to step up. While key playmakers like Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Isiah Pacheco are expected to be available, losing Gray reduces the flexibility of the Chiefs' offensive packages. Fans can watch the game on CBS or stream it via NFL+, Paramount+, or YouTube TV's Sunday Ticket.
According to reports, Gray's next opportunity to return to the field will be on December 7, when the Chiefs take on the Houston Texans.
