Cowboys Pro Bowler dealing with nagging injury during OTAs
The Cowboys are hopeful that guys like quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott can avoid the injury bug from last season in 2022. Undoubtedly, they've had the same thoughts about left tackle Tyron Smith, who has missed time in each of the previous six seasons with a multitude of injuries. Those hopes took […]
The Cowboys are hopeful that guys like quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott can avoid the injury bug from last season in 2022. Undoubtedly, they've had the same thoughts about left tackle Tyron Smith, who has missed time in each of the previous six seasons with a multitude of injuries.
Those hopes took a wrong turn on Wednesday during the Cowboys' OTAs. Smith experienced tightness in his back, and as a precaution, he was held out of practice.
Smith is entering his 12th season with the Cowboys. When healthy, he's still one of the best left tackles in the NFL. However, the best ability for any athlete is availability, and Smith has had the worst luck in that regard over the last half-decade.
The injury woes of Smith are a big reason why the Cowboys took Tyler Smith in the first round of the NFL draft in April. Although he'll play left guard for the Cowboys, they do see him as the possible left tackle of the future someday. Also, the selections of Josh Ball and Matt Waletzko over the past two drafts show that the Cowboys are preparing for life after Smith
Dallas doesn't have the dominant offensive line it once had with retired center Travis Frederick, former left guard Ronald Leary, and recently departed right tackle La'el Collins. However, they still have right guard Zack Martin, and when Smith is on the field coupled with ascending right tackle Terence Steele, the Cowboys' offensive line can still be effective, even if it's not to the level of years past.
Smith is only 31 years old, but with over a decade of wear and tear plus a not-so-flattering injury history, it brings into question how much longer he'll be able to perform at a respectable level for the Cowboys. He should be back shortly, but the Cowboys are hoping his name being on the injury report isn't a reoccurring thing like it's been for quite some time.
Featured image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
