The Dallas Cowboys came off of the bye week with the most significant storyline being the team’s health at its best, but reality hit on Thursday when Tyron Smith showed up on the practice report.
Mike McCarthy’s Latest Update
Mike McCarthy gave an update on Smith during a conference call with reporters saying Smith “made a lot of progress from yesterday to today.”
The coach also explained that an old neck issue flared up for the veteran tackle and that his availability will depend on the workload he can take during Saturday’s practice.
Jerry Jones’ Update On Tyron Smith
Jerry Jones spoke on 105.3 The Fan on Friday and gave an update on the veteran tackle, saying he is optimistic about Smith’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.
MORE: Will Dak Prescott’s Mobility Continue To Be a Pattern for the Cowboys’ Offense
The owner also explained that Smith would need to wear a support brace for the rest of the week in practice to prevent his neck from turning in specific ways and ended the conversation by adding, “I’m feeling good about his availability Sunday.”
Smith’s Addition to the Practice Report
Smith was added to the Cowboys’ practice report on Thursday with a neck injury.
The Cowboys’ practice report for Thursday shows the addition of T Tyron Smith who was limited at practice with a neck injury. pic.twitter.com/q2ydrc4thS
— Jess Nevarez (@JessNevarez_) October 26, 2023
Reports from the Dallas Morning News stated that the veteran tackle had suffered a neck stinger during Thursday’s padded practice.
This is not only concerning because of Smith’s injury history but because Smith’s first time dealing with a neck injury goes back to 2018 and seemingly lingered into the 2020 season as well.
Smith is the team’s most veteran player in his 13th season, but he has not played an entire season since 2015 because of multiple injuries that have kept him off the field.
Dallas Cowboys’ Starting Offensive Line
The Cowboys’ starting offensive line is in its third week of being healthy and able to play together this season.
The starting line is as follows:
- LT: Tyron Smith
- LG: Tyler Smith
- C: Tyler Biadasz
- RG: Zack Martin
- RT: Terence Steele
Continuity across the line has been growing over the last few weeks, a much-needed component to improving the Cowboys’ offense overall.
Not only can the run game become more established with this continuity, but it can open up the passing game, allowing Dak Prescott to make explosive passes downfield as well.
Veteran guard Zack Martin spoke to the media this week, saying the line is a “work in progress” that is improving weekly.
Having Smith available for Sunday’s game would be essential for the line to continue improving as a unit.
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!