Cowboys may shut down Tyron Smith for remainder of season
The Cowboys may be without Tyron Smith for the rest of the season.
The Dallas Cowboys are an Atlanta Falcons collapse away from being 0-4 this season. The problem has been the defense being unable to stop opposing offenses, but now the offense is dealing with a new set of problems.
The offensive line is already without offensive tackle La’el Collins, who has been out all year with a hip injury. Then center Joe Looney went down last week and is expected to miss time. Tackle Tyron Smith did play in Week 4, but he is apparently dealing with a neck injury so severe he may be shutdown for the rest of the season.
#Cowboys LT Tyron Smith is gathering medical opinions on his neck after a setback, and one option being considered is shutting down for the season, sources tell me and @SlaterNFL. No final decision made on Smith, who hasn’t practiced this week, but his status is up in the air.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 8, 2020
Cowboys losing linemen every week
This is alarming news for Cowboys fans, even after the success the offense has had. Smith playing in Week 4 and then not being able to practice is not a good sign. The possibility of shutting him down may point toward it being unsafe for him to play not just in Week 5, but until his injury is fully healed.
Smith has made seven consecutive Pro Bowls and is a two-time first-team All-Pro tackle. Losing him may be what ultimately dooms an offense that is averaging over 500 yards per game. That figure will likely go down with time and if the Cowboys aren’t forced to get into shootouts because the defense can’t stop anyone.
Dak Prescott will now rely on the likes of Brandon Knight and Terrence Steele to protect him in the pocket while taking snaps from a rookie center in Tyler Biadasz. The talent of Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Ezekiel Elliott may not be enough to overcome the losses up front. That is before even getting to the problems on defense.
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The Cowboys have what appears to be an easy matchup Sunday against the New York Giants. The offensive line breaking down against that defense would be a bad omen as the Cowboys look to compete in the dismal NFC East.