The Dallas Cowboys put veteran left tackle Tyron Smith on the injury report on Thursday ahead of the season opener versus the Giants. It’s bad news for the squad that’s already missing starting left guard Tyler Smith due to a hamstring strain.
Tyron Smith is dealing with an ankle injury but he’s been mostly healthy throughout the preseason. During Mike McCarthy’s press conference on Friday, the head coach will likely provide an update on both starting offensive linemen.
Despite being one of the Cowboys’ longest-tenured and highest-paid players, he’s missed significant time due to injuries over the last seven years. He’s missed 45 games with various injuries to his ankle, neck, back, knee, elbow and hamstring.
The veteran agreed to a very team-friendly deal that is laden with incentives. Originally, the former All-Pro left tackle had a $17.6 million cap hit coming for the 2023 season for his $13.6 million salary. Now, Smith has the opportunity to make even more money – but only if he plays a lot. He has a $9 million playtime incentive and a $2 million playoff incentive.
If the two Smiths are good to go for Sunday, the Cowboys would have them, Tyler Biadasz, Zack Martin and Terence Steele as the starting five.
If the former first-rounders can’t play, then Dallas will likely insert T.J. Bass, Chuma Edoga or rookie Asim Richards. They’ll also likely move another lineman or two from the practice squad to the active roster for gameday.
Tyler Smith at risk of missing Game 1
The Cowboys could be kicking off the regular season against the New York Giants on Sunday night without Tyler Smith. After an MRI confirmed the 2022 first-round draft pick out of Tulsa suffered a hamstring strain, the lineman is now day-to-day.
On Thursday, Mike McCarthy told reporters that the team plans to give Smith “every opportunity” to show he’s fit to play in the season opener in New York.
“If he practices Saturday, we’ll give him a chance to go,” McCarthy said. “But he has to practice. So we’ll give him every opportunity to do that.”
Asked whether the 50% chance of rain on Sunday night will impact the team’s decision on Smith, McCarthy said no.
“To me, there’s a threshold that you cross to play in the game,” McCarthy said. “The weather doesn’t factor in unless it’s a severe situation.”
Smith has been doing rehab work with Cowboys’ trainer Britt Brown since suffering the minor injury on Monday.
“He says he feels really good,” McCarthy added. “He’s very optimistic.”
The Cowboys kickoff against the Giants at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday.
More must-reads: