Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images

Chiefs’ Announcement Spells Bad News for QB Patrick Mahomes

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Oct 27, 2025 7:25 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs looked to secure their third consecutive win in Week 8's edition of "Monday Night Football," hosting Marcus Mariota and the Washington Commanders at Arrowhead Stadium. Through seven games, Mahomes is off to yet another strong start to the NFL season, throwing for 1,800 yards, 14 touchdowns and two interceptions while adding another 250 yards and four scores on the ground.

Mahomes has done mostly without his top wide receiver, Rashee Rice, who missed the first six games of the year due to a suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. And rookie left tackle Josh Simmons has been away from the team since Week 6 due to personal reasons. But for Monday's game against the Commanders, Mahomes will be without another important piece.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is off to another strong startJay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Trey Smith, after four seasons with the Tennessee Volunteers, was selected by the Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft. He earned the starting right guard position immediately, helping anchor Kansas City to two Super Bowl wins. Smith was even named a Pro Bowler for the first time last season.

However, in last week’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Smith suffered a back injury. He was unable to practice throughout the week and was initially listed as doubtful for Week 8. On Monday, though, the Chiefs announced that Smith had been downgraded to out, ruling him out of the matchup with the Commanders and leaving Mahomes without two of his starting offensive linemen.

Along with Smith and Simmons, cornerback Kristian Fulton, wide receiver Jalen Royals, tight end Jared Wiley, running back Elijah Mitchell and defensive end Mark Herring were all ruled inactive.

"Our inactives for this Week 8 Monday Night Football matchup against the Commanders ⤵️," the Chiefs wrote on X.

Our inactives for this Week 8 Monday Night Football matchup against the Commanders ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/JsXTeAHaZB
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 27, 2025