Sadly, the Cowboys risk losing their two-time All-Pro starter due to a recent injury.
The Dallas Cowboys are in danger of starting tackle Tyron Smith missing time with a new back injury. Smith did not
practice on Thursday, December 21, 2023, casting question on his availability for Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins. Veteran lineman Zach Martin is also a factor for Dallas as he works to recover from a thigh ailment.
In a message on X on December 21, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News said, “Tyron Smith (back) and Zack Martin (thigh) didn’t practice today.” Tyron Smith appears okay for Sunday if he can practice on Saturday. Malik Hooker (ankle) and Rico Dowdle (ankle) had limitations. Thumb Tony Pollard participated fully.
Smith’s status going to Miami, according to Nick Harris of DallasCowboys.com, is “up in the air.” The fresh injury is described as a “surprise” by the Cowboys reporter.
Smith unexpectedly appeared on the injury report on December 21. “He is not expected to practice until at least Saturday,” Harris wrote, citing a back ailment he sustained in the game against the Bills. “That’s when the Cowboys will be able to expect more from him on Sunday.”
Cowboys News: Star Tackle Tyron Smith Has Missed Significant Time in 8 Straight Seasons
This has been an unfortunate trend for Smith in recent years as the two-time All-Pro has battled multiple injuries. Smith has already missed three games this season with the potential to be sidelined for more contests depending on his latest back injury.
The star tackle played in just four games last season after sustaining a hamstring injury during the preseason. Smith has missed significant time in eight straight seasons.
Cowboys Rumors: Will Dallas Move on From Tyron Smith in 2024?
This offseason, Dallas must make a choice on Smith’s future. This previous offseason, there had been whispers about the veteran being cut by the Cowboys.
Smith consented to modify his contract such that it included incentives determined on the number of games he played. Smith’s eight-year, $97.6 million deal is coming to an end this season.
Smith continues to play at a high level when healthy, and it seems unlikely that the eight-time Pro Bowler will not have a market in free agency.
Whether the Cowboys will be one of the interested clubs is the question. If Smith is ready to link his pay to the quantity of games he plays, then there is some allure.Among those who think the Cowboys should hunt for alternatives in 2024 is ESPN’s Matt Miller.
In an article published on November 14, headlined “2024 NFL offseason: Early positional needs for AFC, NFC teams,” Miller stated, “The Cowboys should sign or draft a left tackle to replace future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith and allow second-year player Tyler Smith to stay at guard, where he has been really good.” If Dallas has the space, Jonah Williams could want to return to the left side and pursue free agency.
However, as easy-movers who fit with the Cowboys, I prefer left tackles Kingsley Suamataia (BYU) and Patrick Paul (Houston) in the draft. Jerry Jones is going to continue to make investments on the offensive line, particularly given the pressing need right now.
For Heavy.com, Jonathan Adams covers the NBA and NFL, concentrating on the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, and Philadelphia Eagles. Numerous publications, including NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated, have highlighted his work.Additional details on Jonathan Adams
