Cowboys: The Tyron Smith injury news just took a turn for the worse
It's been a rough last few hours for Dallas Cowboys fans after Tyron Smith went down on the practice field on Wednesday. That night, ESPN reported Smith could miss multiple weeks with a torn hamstring. But NFL Network's Ian Rapoport report on Thursday paints an even bleaker outlook. According to his report, Smith also suffered knee damage. […]
It's been a rough last few hours for Dallas Cowboys fans after Tyron Smith went down on the practice field on Wednesday. That night, ESPN reported Smith could miss multiple weeks with a torn hamstring.
But NFL Network's Ian Rapoport report on Thursday paints an even bleaker outlook. According to his report, Smith also suffered knee damage. It will require surgery and "if he's back at all, it'll be in December."
Rapoport also compared the Cowboys' offensive tackle injury to that of the Jets' Mekhi Becton who is set to miss the entire season.
This is a massive blow for the Cowboys and one that underlines their failure to prepare at swing tackle ahead of the 2022 season. Even after Tyron Smith's long injury history, the front office didn't prioritize the position and instead has a group of players that are far from convincing options to throw out at tackle.
Josh Ball has proven during the preseason that he's not it, struggling both in the pass and run game. Matt Waletzko – a fifth-round rookie – has barely practiced in pads this season after being away with a shoulder injury. Other options on the Cowboys like Aviante Collins and Isaac Alarcón are long shots to make the 53-man roster.
Tyler Smith could be the only internal option to replace the All-Pro for the Cowboys at left tackle. But after spending all of training camp at guard, it still would be a huge risk.
The news of a potential Tyron Smith return happening in December (if at all) should leave the Dallas Cowboys with a strong sense of urgency. Don't forget the main reason why they lost in the playoffs last January. Sure, there was the QB draw and some flags in key moments.
But it was about being pushed around up front. The Cowboys were already shaky at offensive line. Right now, it's an average unit at best. Finding somebody for the job outside the team could be the priority.
Featured image via Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
