Cowboys 'don't know' if they'll avoid nightmare scenario vs. Giants in Week 1

The Dallas Cowboys are road favorites versus the New York Giants ahead of their season opener on Sunday Night Football. But there are two names on the injury report that are causing some questions: LT Tyron Smith (ankle) and LG Tyler Smith (hamstring). The Cowboys come into this battle with the best roster as they […]

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer

Sep 8, 2023 1:13 PM EDT

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) greets offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys come into this battle with the best roster as they seek another winning season after back-to-back 12-win years. But one area of concern has to be the depth behind an offensive line that's dealing with a couple of critical injuries days before the game.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed the team doesn't know what their game status will be by the time the team takes the field this weekend.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on @1053thefan LT Tyron Smith (ankle) and LG Tyler Smith (hamstring) are both "suspect" to play Sunday evening vs. Giants. "Probably Tyler a little more than Tyron. Those things, we wait until game day. …We don't know until we see."
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 8, 2023

It's a major deal, especially against a Giants defense that has the best defensive tackle duo in the NFL in Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams. Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is also a solid threat who could exploit the absence of Tyron Smith if push comes to shove.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy showed more confidence in the left tackle's return on Friday, however, hinting that the team expects him to play in New York. McCarthy left Tyler Smith's status up in the air.

Tyron Smith was limited Thursday with what's been termed a minor ankle sprain. Speaking on 105.3 The Fan on Friday, Mike McCarthy said, " I think we're going to be OK there," of Smith. Of Tyler Smith, who has a hamstring strain, his availability for Sunday remains in question.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 8, 2023

The good news is if Tyron plays, which McCarthy seems to expect, the Cowboys could avoid an absolute nightmare of a situation. With Tyler's status in serious question, missing both would likely mean having to start Chuma Edoga (who struggled in training camp) at left tackle and T.J. Bass (a promising undrafted rookie) at left guard.

It'd be a dangerous scenario for quarterback Dak Prescott and friends to face the Giants' defense with a backup left-side offensive line. One absence, they should be able to overcome through game-planning. But missing both Tyler and Tyron Smith could tip the scales in the Giants' favor.