Almost three weeks after undergoing surgery to repair an avulsion fracture in his left knee, Dallas Cowboys’ offensive tackle Tyron Smith is finally scheduled to return to practice. His status is still uncertain, though he has a good chance of making his way back to the field before the end of the regular season.
Smith has been on IR since August, and the Cowboys have been optimistic about his recovery. The injury was originally reported as a hamstring tear, but it later was deemed more serious. The Dallas Cowboys view him as one of the best left tackles in the NFL era. He is also a former All-Decade tackle, and has not broken the 13-game barrier since the 2015 season.
In the four games he played last year, he recorded five tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and one solo hit. He did not play in the playoffs against San Francisco or Indianapolis, but he did have a kickoff return against Ohio State.
He has been in a transition role on the defensive line. He has also been a contributor on special teams. But he has played well enough to be considered an alternative starter for the rest of the season. If he is healthy, Tyrone Smith should get a much larger role on the defensive line rotation.
Smith is expected to have a 21-day practice window before he is eligible to be placed on the 53-man roster. However, that could change if he does not make it back in time for the game against the Houston Texans on December 3. If he is able to get on the field in the final weeks of the regular season, he will be an important part of the Cowboys’ O-line.
The Cowboys have played a lot of Connor McGovern at left guard this season, and the veteran is playing very well. He has been credited with eight tackles, nine pressures, and nine run blocks this season.
In the four games that Smith has missed, he has not played in the first half. The Cowboys have gone 7-3 with a bye in Week 9. But the Cowboys offensive line has been inconsistent in the first half. The Cowboys’ offensive line has been beat six times, and they have allowed nine sacks and seven pressures during the first half this season.
The Cowboys plan to use Tyler Smith at left tackle when Smith returns. They have been taking reps at the position over the past few weeks. Jones said that Smith is an “All-Pro” player, and that he is a Hall of Fame type player. But there are some rumors that Smith will not play the swing tackle position when he is back.
With Jason Peters not playing this season, and La’el Collins suspended, the Cowboys are considering Tyler Smith for a starting position in Week 1. But if he does not start, he will be a backup for the rest of the season. He hasn’t been working as a swing tackle, but he has been practicing as an interior backup.
Toronto Marijuana Dispensary 