When Tyron Smith suffered a stinger in practice late last week, there was hope he’d still be available for the Week 8 showdown against the Rams. But in the moments leading up to kickoff, the Cowboys determined it was better to keep their former All-Pro LT on the sideline.
This week in the practices leading up to the Cowboys’ enormous matchup with the NFC East leading Eagles, Smith’s status is again in jeopardy.
The team’s plan is for him to play on Sunday. That much has been made clear. But as everyone knows by now, plans don’t always work out when they’re based on health.
Michael Gallup back to practice after missing Wednesday with an illness. No Tyron Smith, who will work off to the side. Mike McCarthy said Smith could play if he takes part in Saturday’s practice. He’s taken part in the walkthroughs. pic.twitter.com/IKDPGQDmeF
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) November 2, 2023
For the Cowboys, optimism revolves around the fact Smith was close to competing against Los Angeles on Sunday. It stands to reason, one week on ice could narrow the gap between sidelined and starting. And playing it slow this week may ultimately be the best way to get the 13-year vet back on the field healthy in Week 9.
The impact of Smith’s potential absence is significant.
When Smith was unable to go in Week 8, starting duties fell upon veteran Chuma Edoga. After giving up a sack on the very first play, Edoga performed admirably. In fact, according to Dak Prescott himself, Edoga wasn’t at fault on that sack.
Some final points on Cowboys O-line as team begins practice week. What happened on first sack Sunday warrants clarification. Chuma Edoga wasn't liable. Cowboys ran a quick game, and Dak Prescott held on to ball too long. Needed to hit CeeDee Lamb. Prescott: "First one all on me." pic.twitter.com/vPdfdzchH6
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 1, 2023
Later in the game against the Rams, Edoga had to leave the field after suffering a nasty looking ankle injury. He’s returned to practice this week and appears good to go in Philadelphia. This means chances are slim LT duties will fall on fifth-round rookie Asim Richards again. That’s obviously a good thing for Dak Prescott’s blindside.
Even with Smith having a somewhat down year in 2023, the falloff from him to Edoga is regarded as rather significant. It will limit what the offense can do and how comfortable Prescott can play in the pocket.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said the goal is for Tyron Smith (neck) to do walk-throughs today and tomorrow and then practice Saturday
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 2, 2023
Smith is still the best pass-protecting tackle on the roster, and to most, it’s not even close. Edoga can handle run-blocking assignments without much falloff, but he pales in comparison in pass protection.
If Smith is unable to start, the Cowboys will need to rely on more quick-game and rollouts as to not expose Edoga’s limitations in pass protection. If Smith plays, the playbook can open up. Mike McCarthy can take more shots downfield and Prescott can move through more progressions.
The Cowboys are aiming for Smith to practice on Saturday. Such an event would pave the way to activation on Sunday and give Dallas the best possible chance to beat the defending NFC champs.
Nothing to do now but sit, wait and hope for the best.
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