Cowboys in Danger of Missing 2-Time All-Pro Starter With New Injury

Tyron Smith, the starting tackle for the Dallas Cowboys, could lose time due to a fresh back ailment. Smith was not in practice on Thursday, December 21, 2023, which cast doubt 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.

DallasCowboys.com’s Nick Harris describes Smith’s status heading to Miami as “up in the air.” The Cowboys reporter labels the new injury as a “surprise.”

“Smith surprisingly popped up on the injury report with a back injury that he suffered in the game against the Bills and is not expected to practice until at least Saturday,” Harris wrote on December 21. “It will be then when the Cowboys can get a better expectation for his status on Sunday.”

Cowboys News: Star Tackle Tyron Smith Has Missed Significant Time in 8 Straight Seasons

The two-time All-Pro has struggled with numerous injuries in recent years, which has been an unfortunate pattern for Smith. Smith has already missed three games this season, and his most recent back issue may keep him out of action for more games.

After suffering a hamstring injury in the preseason, the top tackle only participated in four games in the previous campaign. Smith has missed eight seasons in a row with a severe injury.

Cowboys Rumors: Will Dallas Move on From Tyron Smith in 2024?

Dallas faces a decision this offseason on Smith’s future. The veteran had been mentioned in Cowboys rumors this past offseason as a potential cut candidate.

Instead, Smith agreed to restructure his deal with incentives based on how many games he played. Smith is in the final season of an 8-year, $97.6 million contract.

When healthy, Smith is still playing at a high level and it is hard to imagine the eight-time Pro Bowler will not have a market in free agency.

The question is whether the Cowboys will be among the teams interested. There is some appeal if Smith is once again willing to tie his salary to the number of games played. ESPN’s Matt Miller is among those that believes the Cowboys should look for replacement options in 2024.

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 cap space, Jonah Williams might want to switch back to the left side and become a free agent.

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.

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