The Kansas City Chiefs were without one of their most important offensive linemen Friday as Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith missed his first practice of training camp with a hip issue.
After practice, head coach Andy Reid said the absence was precautionary and expressed confidence that Smith would be back soon.
“Trey, his hip was bothering him,” Reid told reporters. “We sent him to a specialist just to get it checked out. Precautionary. He’s gonna be okay.”
Smith, who signed a four-year, $94 million contract extension in 2025, has become one of Patrick Mahomes‘ top protectors since joining the Chiefs in 2021.
Andy Reid Says Trey Smith Should Be Fine
Smith’s absence marked the first time he has missed practice during this year’s training camp.
Reid told reporters the decision to send Smith to a specialist was simply an extra precaution and not an indication of a long-term concern.
“The one positive is it’s nothing that these guys aren’t coming back from,” Reid said when discussing the team’s injuries, via Charles Goldman on X.
With Smith sidelined, rookie Kahlil Benson shifted from right tackle to right guard with the first-team offense. Veteran Jaylon Moore filled in at right tackle, while Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia and Creed Humphrey remained in their usual spots across the offensive line.
Further details on Smith’s evaluation are expected after he sees the specialist, but Reid’s comments suggested the Chiefs are optimistic the Pro Bowler will return soon.
Chiefs Welcome Cyrus Allen Back While Other Injuries Continue
The Chiefs did receive positive injury news elsewhere on Friday.
Rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen returned to practice after missing nearly a week with a shin bruise suffered during a special teams drill. The fifth-round pick had been one of the biggest standouts of training camp before the injury, drawing praise for developing early chemistry with Mahomes.
Reid also described Friday as “a very productive” practice and highlighted the continued progress of wide receiver Rashee Rice and rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane as they work back toward full strength.
However, wide receiver Xavier Worthy remained sidelined with a shoulder injury after landing awkwardly while making a catch earlier in camp.
The Chiefs also held linebackers Drue Tranquill, who is dealing with back spasms, and rookie Jeffrey Bassa, who has a groin strain, out of practice. Defensive backs Kristian Fulton and L’Jarius Sneed, along with defensive linemen Ashton Gillotte and Omarr Norman-Lott, also did not participate in drills.
Andy Reid Hints Patrick Mahomes May Sit Out the Preseason Completely
Reid also offered an early look at his plans for Mahomes during the preseason.
The Chiefs open their preseason schedule against the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 15, but Reid indicated there’s a strong chance the two-time NFL MVP won’t see the field.
“There’s a pretty good chance that I don’t play him,” Reid said.
“The percentages are leaning that way, and I don’t know if I’ll play him in the second or the third game. But the percentages likely lean against doing that. We’ve got other guys in those positions behind him that need some work, and so the more reps they get, the better.”
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