Tyron Smith, the starting tackle for the Dallas Cowboys, might lose time due to a fresh back ailment. Smith was not in practice on Thursday, December 21, 2023, which cast question on his availability for Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins. Veteran lineman Zach Martin is also a factor for Dallas as he works to recover from a thigh ailment.
In a message on X on December 21, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News said, “Tyron Smith (back) and Zack Martin (thigh) didn’t practice today.” Tyron Smith appears okay for Sunday if he can practice on Saturday. Malik Hooker (ankle) and Rico Dowdle (ankle) had limitations. Thumb Tony Pollard participated fully.
Smith’s status going to Miami, according to Nick Harris of DallasCowboys.com, is “up in the air.” The fresh injury is described as a “surprise” by the Cowboys reporter.
Smith unexpectedly appeared on the injury report on December 21. “He is not expected to practice until at least Saturday,” Harris wrote, citing a back ailment he sustained in the game against the Bills. “That’s when the Cowboys will be able to expect more from him on Sunday.”
The two-time All-Pro has struggled with several injuries in recent years, which has been an unfortunate pattern for Smith. Smith has already missed three games this season, and his most recent back issue may keep him out of action for more games.
After suffering a hamstring injury in the preseason, the top tackle only participated in four games in the previous campaign. Smith has missed eight seasons in a row with a severe injury.
This offseason, Dallas must make a choice on Smith’s future. This previous offseason, there had been whispers about the veteran being cut by the Cowboys.
Smith consented to modify his contract such that it included incentives determined on the number of games he played. Smith’s eight-year, $97.6 million deal is coming to an end this season.
Smith continues to play at a high level when healthy, and it seems unlikely that the eight-time Pro Bowler will not have a market in free agency.
Whether the Cowboys will be one of the interested teams is the question. There is some appeal if Smith is once again willing to tie his salary to the number of games played. ESPN’s Matt Miller is among those that believes the Cowboys should look for replacement options in 2024.
In an article titled “2024 NFL offseason: Early positional needs for AFC, NFC teams,” published on November 14, Miller explained, “The Cowboys should sign or draft a left tackle to replace future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith and allow second-year player Tyler Smith to stay at guard, where he has been really good. Jonah Williams might want to kick back over to the left side and hit free agency, and he could make sense if Dallas has the cap space.
However, as easy-movers who fit with the Cowboys, I prefer left tackles Kingsley Suamataia (BYU) and Patrick Paul (Houston) in the draft. Jerry Jones is going to continue to make investments on the offensive line, particularly in light of the current dire necessity.
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