For a 6-7 team with dwindling playoff hopes, the last thing the Kansas City Chiefs needed was another name on the injury report, but that’s exactly what they got. Trey Smith is the latest name on the sidelines, and with the Bolts coming to town, Andy Reid had no time to wait. Instead, he moved fast.

The Chiefs made it official that the front office added some help inside. As the team posted on X, “We have signed Practice Squad player G C.J. Hanson to an active roster contract.”

So, who is Hanson? He entered the league this year as a seventh-round pick out of Holy Cross. He is a New Jersey native still finding his footing. So far, his Chiefs resume is small. So far, his Chiefs resume is small, consisting of just two regular-season games where he played only 32 offensive snaps and five more on special teams. Earlier this year, he did not crack the active roster. Instead, he stayed close on the practice squad.

Now, the numbers need context. Hanson’s sample size is tiny. Because of that, the data needs patience. In 31 blocking chances last season, his PFF grade sat at 48.6. The run blocking flashed promise at 73.4. However, pass protection told a different story. A 1.6 grade stood out. He also allowed four pressures. It is a mixed tape, nothing more, nothing less.

Meanwhile, Hanson was not the only move. The Chiefs also elevated tackle Chu Godrick and defensive tackle Zacch Pickens from the practice squad. Depth matters this late. But now let’s look at Trey Smith’s situation.

Andy Reid shares Trey Smith’s injury update

The Chiefs are walking a tight line. At 6-7, postseason hopes still exist, but barely. And that’s why the injury crisis is feeling heavier. With Patrick Mahomes needing a clean pocket against one of the league’s more physical fronts, questions along the offensive line quickly turned into a major talking point for Chiefdom.

Then the update landed, and it was not encouraging. The Chiefs downgraded Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith to limited participation after he practiced fully the day before. Smith has been dealing with an ankle injury since the Week 12 win over the Colts. By the end of the week, clarity arrived. Smith (ankle) is officially listed as out for Sunday’s game versus the Chargers.

Earlier in the week, optimism felt real. Smith logged a full practice on Wednesday, which pointed toward a possible return in Week 15. However, that hope faded fast. He shifted to limited work on Thursday. Then he missed practice entirely on Friday. Andy Reid addressed it directly.

“I don’t think he’s quite there,” the Chiefs head coach said Friday, putting the situation into plain terms.

Now the focus shifts ahead. Week 15 carries real weight for Kansas City. The Chiefs will face the Chargers. With the margin for error gone, let’s see how the Chiefs approach the game.