The Kansas City Chiefs dealt with two serious injuries in Sunday's 31-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The first was to defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott, whose future is now very much in question due to a knee injury. On top of that, star guard Trey Smith is dealing with a back injury as well, according to Chiefs insider Pete Sweeney.
Smith's situation is frustrating, with the franchise already dealing with the loss of rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, who is missing time due to a family matter. Losing Smith ahead of an important Week 8 Monday Night Football matchup with the Washington Commanders is obviously far from ideal; however, it seems like the worst-case scenario was dodged.
Head coach Andy Reid said after the game that "Smith's back injury is nothing serious" and that the Chiefs will "have to see" what happens next (h/t @goldmctNFL). Considering that the Chiefs' upcoming schedule is filled with contenders, keeping the offensive interior intact is obviously vital, and getting Smith healthy and back for Monday night would be a massive boost.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid Shares Promising Trey Smith Injury Update After Win vs. Raiders
Judging by Reid's tenor and comments on the situation, it is fair to view it as a noncommittal indication that things aren't in a bad spot. While you never want to see a player injured, the Chiefs' head coach was nowhere near as close to negative as he was on Norman-Lott. It is important to note that with both players, there was a lack of commitment, with the Chiefs needing time to further evaluate both players.
There is no denying this is a promising first update as the Chiefs come off a dominating win. If Smith is forced to miss additional time, it will be Mike Caliendo stepping into a bigger role, much like he did on Sunday. This will be the second backup lineman forced into action, with left tackle Jaylon Moore stepping in for Simmons, who continues to miss time due to a personal situation.
The injury situation hasn't been reflected in Kansas City's performance; Reid's offensive line has been gelling well over the last three weeks. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has had far more time and has been able to consistently make plays, reminding fans of just how lethal this offense can be and why Kansas City should again be counted as the AFC's top contender.
For Smith, this appears to be a short-term injury that isn't going to slow down the Chiefs' momentum. That's relief for a KC fan base that has every reason to believe in another Super Bowl run following a slow start to the season.