The Dallas Cowboys injuries are quickly starting to pile up and if fans are experiencing post-traumatic stress issues based on the last time Dak Prescott played the Atlanta Falcons without his left tackle, no one would blame them.
The team released their official injury report for Thursday practice, and there were a few important names to monitor as the Cowboys home opener against the Falcons draws near. Tyron Smith missed practice with a neck injury and Amari Cooper was limited with a foot injury.
Tyron Smith was a Thursday DNP the week of a Falcons game.
… this is fine pic.twitter.com/jH0N0HGQxU
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) September 17, 2020
The left tackle appeared on his first injury report of the season. The veteran was held out of action Thursday, and Smith has battled neck and back injuries for the majority of the recent seasons.
Players with Smith’s tenure are often given Thursdays off as rest days, but it is still discouraging to see Smith’s neck bothering him so early into the new season.
Smith missed the game against the Falcons in 2017, which turned into the infamous Chaz Green debacle. Green, Smith’s replacement at left tackle, turned in a dreadful performance allowing a Falcons-record six sacks to Adrian Clayborn.
It goes without saying that Smith’s absence would be potentially game changing, and his health will be monitored closely.
Joining Smith on the report is fellow Cowboy All-Pro Cooper.
Cooper manged to get in a limited practice on Thursday with a foot injury. Cooper dealt with both foot and knee issues a year ago, and his production has takena dip when he’s played through injuries in the past in Dallas.
The Cowboys will need their most dynamic wide receiver as they attempt to keep pace with the Falcons high-flying offense.
Fortunately, hopefully, NFL Network’s Jane Slater says neither is currently in danger of outright missing the contest.
When I reached out on both these injuries, I was told there is not a concern that Tyron Smith and Amari Cooper won’t be available to play Sunday according to a source. https://t.co/zaMOkDHS7P
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 17, 2020
Defensive end and new star Aldon Smith was another notable absence from practice, but his is excused as it was a trip to the dentist that held Smith out Thursday, and he should be back with the team on Friday.
There was a bit of positive news, as Jourdan Lewis was a full participant Thursday. The slot cornerback missed the season opener in Los Angeles with an ankle injury, but it appears he’s a go for Week 2.
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The Cowboys lost starting tight-end Blake Jarwin for the season with a torn ACL last Sunday. Leightom Vander Esch fractured his clavicle, requiring surgery. Vander Esch is due back in 6-8 weeks, landing him on the IR with La’el Collins and Sean Lee.
Jane Slater, Cowboys reporter for NFL Network, noted that the team isn’t concerned with the health of Tyron Smith and Amari Cooper, and that both are on pace to be available for Sunday.
When I reached out on both these injuries, I was told there is not a concern that Tyron Smith and Amari Cooper won’t be available to play Sunday according to a source. https://t.co/zaMOkDHS7P
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 17, 2020
Even if Cooper and Smith’s absence from a full practice was just preventive or rest, the Cowboys can’t be pleased with number of high-level contributors already set to miss time this season.