Tyron Smith, as is so often the case, is dealing with an injury that has called his status for Sunday’s game into question.
Jerry Jones, as is so often the case, is looking on the bright side by sharing an encouraging diagnosis with Cowboys fans.
“I’m optimistic, period,” the owner said on Friday’s K&C Masterpiece show on 105.3 The Fan.
The 32-year-old veteran left tackle showed up on Thursday’s injury report with a neck issue- later classified as a stinger- that popped up during practice. He was listed as limited for the rest of the work session.
Jones gave some background information on Smith’s injury.
“He uses a neck roll to kind of keep that neck from going in that direction a lot, so we’ve got to keep that on him when he practices,” Jones explained. “He didn’t have that earlier in the week, but I’m feeling good about his availability Sunday.”
Jerry Jones to @1053thefan on Cowboys LT Tyron Smith (neck, limited), who was added to injury report Thursday: “I’m optimistic. Period. …I’m feeling good about his availability Sunday.” Jones said Smith wasn’t wearing neck roll. “We’ve got to keep that on him when he practices.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 27, 2023
This latest injury immediately triggered a deja vu attack for the team’s fans, who have grown well accustomed to seeing the eight-time Pro Bowler on the injured list.
Smith famously has not made it through a full season since 2015 and has played in just 24 games (playoffs included) out of the 53 that have made up the Mike McCarthy era.
Thus far in 2023, he’s been on the field for 58% of the offense’s snaps, missing Week 3’s game in Arizona and Week 4’s date with New England. Chuma Edoga took his spot in the starting lineup on both occasions.
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The Cowboys have had several availability issues on the O-line this season, with only right tackle Terence Steele having taken all 409 offensive snaps. Center Tyler Biadasz and right guard Zack Martin both missed Week 3; left guard Tyler Smith sat out Weeks 1 and 2 with an injury of his own.
That “preferred five” finally started its first game together- ever- in Week 5’s drubbing at the hands of the 49ers. They took the field together once again last week versus the Chargers, but now Smith’s neck puts a third straight start for the group in some degree of question.
But not if you ask Jones.
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