Cowboys: MRI confirms hamstring strain for Tyler Smith
The Dallas Cowboys received some bad news on Tuesday as an MRI confirmed left guard Tyler Smith is dealing with a hamstring strain, per Dallas Morning News' David Moore. The injury was sustained on the team's first practice of the week ahead of their season opener versus the rival New York Giants. Although owner Jerry […]
The Dallas Cowboys received some bad news on Tuesday as an MRI confirmed left guard Tyler Smith is dealing with a hamstring strain, per Dallas Morning News' David Moore. The injury was sustained on the team's first practice of the week ahead of their season opener versus the rival New York Giants.
Although owner Jerry Jones suggested on the radio (before the MRI) that they hadn't ruled out Smith for Sunday night's game, every football fan should understand how much of a nagging injury a hamstring can be for an NFL player. Although it can be nothing to worry about, it can also become a recurrent theme in a player's season.
There are levels to hamstring strains, however, and it remains unclear how serious Tyler Smith's injury is. Wednesday should provide the first injury report of the season and there is a chance, based on today's news, that he will miss practice.
One thing is clear though: No one should want to play the Giants without their starting left guard. After all, the NFC East rivals have one of the very best defensive tackle duos in the league in Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams. Putting a backup in there could really hinder the Cowboys' chances of pulling off a road victory and September dominance.
When healthy, the Cowboys have a Top-10 offensive line in the league. However, they're an extremely thin unit with only eight offensive linemen on the roster. One has to wonder who would take Smith's spot if he were to miss the season opener: The recently injured Chuma Edoga or the undrafted rookie T.J. Bass, who impressed in the preseason?
Another aspect of the game that could be complicated to deal with if Smith is absent would be Wink Martindale's aggressive blitzing. He likes to turn up the heat and the lack of chemistry in the trenches could end up affecting how the team protects Dak Prescott in the passing game.
For now, the Cowboys haven't ruled out Tyler, though. But consider it a footrace between the second-year offensive lineman and the clock that keeps ticking as we all wait for Sunday Night Football.
2023 Cowboys claim they’re fast but that comes with one disadvantage
It won’t be easy.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
