The Dallas Cowboys will miss Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith to start the season.
Smith suffered a knee avulsion fracture during practice Wednesday and needed surgery, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday. Smith won’t be back in action until December, if at all this season. Rapoport later reported that Smith would undergo surgery on Friday.
The 31-year-old went down in practice with a non-contact injury but was able to walk away on his own.
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones said Thursday on ESPN’s First Take that he expects Smith to return at some point this season — possibly the playoffs.
“We’re going to get him, we’re going to get him at the right time,” Jones said. “We’re going to have him in the game in San Francisco – the equivalent of what we did last year – maybe we won’t lose.”
Although the Cowboys are used to missing 20 the past two seasons The eight-time pro bowler who hasn’t played an entire season since 2015 has not played a game, and it was a huge blow to Dak Prescott’s blind spot.
Dallas selected Tyler Smith, who played left tackle in college, as the ultimate heir to the blind spot, but he has been at left back during training camp and the preseason. The rookie has also been dealing with injuries of late. Josh Ball, a fourth-round pick in 2021, struggled last season and was represented at left tackle when Tyron Smith was sidelined. The Cowboys also have fifth-round picks Matt Valetzko and Aviant Collins as LT options.
The once-strong Cowboys’ offensive line has deteriorated in recent seasons. Smith’s injury is the latest setback for the Dallas club as it seeks to defend its NFC East title. More pressure will pile on Prescott’s shoulders to carry the bruised Cowboys.
