Cowboys' inactives vs. Lions: Will Tyron Smith play?

The Dallas Cowboys will take on the Detroit Lions for a Saturday night showdown in Week 17, when former head coach Jimmy Johnson will be inducted into the Ring of Honor.  The game itself will be a good one and one that will require a lot of effort if the Cowboys are to return to […]

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer
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Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) on the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium.
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys will take on the Detroit Lions for a Saturday night showdown in Week 17, when former head coach Jimmy Johnson will be inducted into the Ring of Honor. 

The game itself will be a good one and one that will require a lot of effort if the Cowboys are to return to their winning ways.

Fortunately, they'll be able to do so with All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith, who is active after missing Week 16 due to a back injury. Smith was questionable to play and the Cowboys had shown optimism during the week, leading to suspicions that he'd be able to go.

However, you never know when it comes to Smith, who has a long history of injuries. Now, it's official, which will help Dallas deal with the headache that is Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. While he'll face Terence Steele for the most part, it's helpful to know the Cowboys won't be that concerned for Dak Prescott's blindside with Tyron on the field.

Cowboys Inactives 

  1. DT Johnathan Hankins
  2. RB Rico Dowdle
  3. OL Matt Waletzko
  4. OL Asim Richards
  5. CB Noah Igbinoghene
  6. CB Eric Scott Jr.
  7. QB Trey Lance (emergency quarterback)

The Cowboys did rule out Hankins and Dowdle on Friday. That sets up Deuce Vaughn for a big chance at running back as he could very well see some playing time on offense.

As for Hankins, his absence is guaranteed to hurt against a physical Lions offensive line. If the Cowboys win this weekend, it will likely be due to the offense against a mediocre passing defense which allowed over 400 passing yards to Nick Mullens last weekend. Against Dak Prescott and friends, it's a key mismatch Dallas must exploit, especially with Lions safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson ruled out (IR).

Lions inactives

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