Cowboys on track to avoid major blow to starting lineup vs Rams
The Dallas Cowboys might've avoided a major scare based on head coach Mike McCarthy's press conference on Friday. After Tyron Smith popped up on the injury report with a neck issue on Thursday, the alarms went off among Cowboys fans given the left tackle's injury history. McCarthy confirmed on Friday that a previous issue popped […]
The Dallas Cowboys might've avoided a major scare based on head coach Mike McCarthy's press conference on Friday.
After Tyron Smith popped up on the injury report with a neck issue on Thursday, the alarms went off among Cowboys fans given the left tackle's injury history. McCarthy confirmed on Friday that a previous issue popped back up.
However, the Cowboys head coach also indicated Smith took part in every rep during Friday's walkthrough, a major indication that the team expects him to play on Sunday versus the Los Angeles Rams.
"He's definitely made a lot of progress from yesterday to today," McCarthy told reporters via The Athletic's Jon Machota.
If Tyron Smith does play, it would mark the third consecutive game where the Cowboys play with their full starting offensive line. Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan that he's "optimistic" about Smith's chances to suit up.
While the Rams are not known as the best pass rush in the NFL, they do have DT Aaron Donald and a highly aggressive front that will consistently execute stunts up front. They boast the seventh-highest stunt rate in the league, per Arjun Menon.
Missing Smith would be a headache for the Cowboys as they'd be forced to overcome that lack of continuity in a game where communication will be key up front.
Also, edge rusher Byron Young is a rookie you probably don't want to face with a backup tackle, as he's managed to become the second edge rusher with the most QB hits, as measured by PFF. He ranks 13th in total pressures and is consistently able to win one-on-one situations with a surprising repertoire of moves for a rookie defender.
Cowboys Final Injury Report for Week 8
Smith was officially listed as questionable on the Cowboys' final report. Safety Juanyeh Thomas carries no game designation after practicing as a full participant all week.
