Cowboys kick off new year with updates on Tyler Smith, Johnathan Hankins
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy kicked off 2024 with a press conference on Monday that included two big injury updates on key players ahead of Week 18 versus the Washington Commanders and even more importantly, the playoffs. The first one was on left guard Tyler Smith, who tore his plantar fascia against the Detroit […]
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy kicked off 2024 with a press conference on Monday that included two big injury updates on key players ahead of Week 18 versus the Washington Commanders and even more importantly, the playoffs.
The first one was on left guard Tyler Smith, who tore his plantar fascia against the Detroit Lions before being replaced by rookie T.J. Bass.
"He's sore, we'll find out more Wednesday," McCarthy told reporters. "He has a chance (to play in Washington)."
A report earlier in the week suggested the Cowboys were glad Smith suffered a complete tear instead of a partial one, as it's ultimately better for the player. Smith's availability could be big against the Commanders, who have a very solid interior defensive line which could be a problem if Smith is out.
The defense is also getting some good news in terms of injury at the perfect time. With backup nose tackle Carl Davis running out of practice squad elevations, the Cowboys are trending toward getting starter Johnathan Hankins back.
"Johnathan had a good workout today," McCarthy revealed. "We'll see how he feels tomorrow and the goal is to start to work him on Wednesday."
Hankins has been missed on defense, as without him occupying linemen in the trenches has made life significantly harder for starting linebackers Damone Clark and Markquese Bell.
The Cowboys will need to be at full strength for the postseason but make no mistake about it, according to McCarthy, that won's start with the Wild Card round, as the team still has to clinch the NFC East with a win on Sunday.
"Let's be honest," he said. "The playoffs have already started."
