Brian Schottenheimer explains what will shape Dallas Cowboys’ decision on Tyler Smith availability for Thursday Night Football
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t made a decision on the All-Pro offensive lineman’s availability ahead of a matchup versus the Tampa Bay Bucs.
Eight full speed plays. That’s all the Dallas Cowboys ran on Tuesday’s practice, a day largely considered to be crucial in determining if All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith will play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5 on Thursday night.
And based on head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s comments, it will pretty much a decision that’s left up to Smith.
Smith to decide if he’ll play on Cowboys’ TNF
Smith, who underwent thumb surgery that landed him on Injured Reserve prior to Week 2, is eligible to return this week. According to the Cowboys head coach, it’s all about the player’s comfort level.
“If Tyler feels good that he can go play, then I have no problem,” Schottenheimer told reporters on Tuesday. “I’ve seen him, like I said, play football at a very high level. It’s more of a comfort level for him than me. All Tyler’s got to do is say, ‘Hey, Shotty, I feel good,’ and he’ll be out there.”
The big question is if Smith is better off waiting until Week 6 to take advantage of the Cowboys’ mini bye prior to taking on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau. Then again, every game matters for the 2-2 Cowboys. And for an offense that’s been somewhat inconsistent in the run game compared to its pass game, it would be huge.
That being said, Schottenheimer won’t pressure the All-Pro lineman.
“But at the same time, if he doesn’t feel good, then we’ll have a discussion,” Schottenheimer added. “I’m not going to put him in a position where he doesn’t feel like he can do his job. But in terms of having to see a lot, we’ll have him do a few things today that the other guys won’t do, quite honestly, because we have to see him hit bags and things like that.”
Injury report offers close to no update
Smith’s availability will remain a mystery for at least one more day, as he was listed as a limited participant on Tuesday’s injury report. To play him on Thursday, the Cowboys need to open a roster spot for him on the 53-man roster.
The Cowboys’ injury report had no changes on Tuesday. LB DeMarvion Overshown and CB Cobie Durant remain out of practice and are likely going to be ruled out for Thursday’s game. Rookie offensiva tackle Drew Shelton also missed practice.
The Cowboys had another six players show up on the report that were “full” participants on Monday and Tuesday; S Alijah Clark (ankle), RB Tyler Goodson (ankle), S Malik Hooker (forearm), OLB James Houston (shoulder), WR CeeDee Lamb (thigh), and CB Joey Porter Jr. (ankle).
