Dallas Cowboys Dealing With Concerning Tyler Smith Development

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 6:07 PM ET

Not too many fans will argue against the notion that Tyler Smith is the Dallas Cowboys’ best interior lineman. A testament to this fact is how Jerry Jones and the Cowboys' front office decided to reward the two-time Pro Bowl OL with a massive four-year extension worth $96 million in the offseason, making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL.

This is exactly why Dallas will have a significant hole in its offensive line if Smith is sidelined by injury in their next game. This comes in the form of a Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets, who, despite being 0-4, have one of the most dangerous defensive lines in the league.

The bad news for the Cowboys is that Smith is in danger of sitting out the Jets game on Sunday, and, potentially, beyond. This is after it was revealed on Tuesday that the 24-year-old is dealing with a leg problem.

“Cowboys LG Tyler Smith had an MRI today in a lower leg injury,” reported veteran Dallas reporter Clarence Hill Jr. on X. “He didn’t practice today. Doesn’t know if he will practice this week or play against the Jets. Wouldn’t reveal the results of the imaging.”

Smith has started all four contests for the Cowboys this season and he played the entire game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.

Losing Smith would be a tough blow for the Cowboys. Against the Jets, this would mean weakened blindside protection for Dak Prescott, who is coming off a three-touchdown game against the Packers.

The Smith situation becomes even more relevant considering how rookie left tackle Tyler Guyon is currently in the concussion protocol. This means that Dallas could be without both of its left-side starters against New York on Sunday.

It is worth noting that, on top of Smith and Guyon, nine other players were listed on the Cowboys’ injury report on Wednesday. Right guard Tyler Booker (ankle) and safety Malik Hooker (toe) both missed practice as well. On offense, CeeDee Lamb (knee), running back Miles Sanders (knee/ankle) and wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (foot) all also sat out Wednesday’s practice.

Cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee), wideout Jonathan Mingo (knee), cornerback Caelen Carson (knee) and linebacker Kenneth Murray (knee) were all limited.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that his team is "banged up," and he wasn’t lying at all.