3 moves Cowboys could make to replace Tyron Smith after injury
By Josh Wilson
The Dallas Cowboys have some options to shore up their offensive line after a devastating injury
Absolutely devastating news for the Dallas Cowboys hit early Thursday morning when it was reported by Ian Rapoport that Tyron Smith tore his hamstring. The most optimistic timeline brings him back in December.
#Cowboys standout LT Tyron Smith actually suffered an avulsion fracture of the knee, meaning the hamstring tendon that sits at the back of the knee pulled off the bone and he needs surgery, sources say. If he’s back at all, it’ll be December. A tough loss.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 25, 2022
It’s horrible news for a Cowboys team that wants to take the next step with their seventh-year quarterback. Losing his protection on the left side is not a good way to start the season.
Prescott already lost some of his throwing weapons with Cedrick Wilson (61 targets in 2021) leaving to join Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos and Malik Turner (16 targets in 2021) going to the 49ers. They traded away Amari Cooper (104 targets in 2021) as well. The Cowboys brought in James Washington and added him to the receiver room with CeeDee Lamb, Dalton Schultz, and Michael Gallup.
None of the receiving matters, though, if Prescott doesn’t have a pocket to throw from. And if the Cowboys don’t do something fast, things are looking bleak to start the season in that regard. Here are some options they should consider to restore the fortitude of the offensive line.
Cowboys options for replacing Tyron Smith: Shuffle Terrence Steele to LT
The easiest option, of course, is to do with what you have. The Cowboys could move Terrence Steele to left tackle from the right side, prioritizing what’s important: Protecting Dak’s blind side.
The Cowboys would still need to backfill the right side of the line, but there are more decent options at right tackle left in free agency compared to left tackle. Bryan Bulaga, Daryl Williams, and Marcus Cannon are all still available. None are exactly ideal fits, but the situation is dire enough that the Cowboys need to consider this option, especially since it’s probably the path of least resistance.
The big question would be regarding Terrence Steele’s ability to play left tackle. Steele has filled in for Smith at left tackle previously with poor results to show for it. According to Inside the Star, his debut at LT was a big fat F:
"“Terence Steele gave up 11 pressures and nine hurries on the day, according to PFF. He allowed Jonathan Cooper, the Broncos outside linebacker to earn five pressures on 35 pass rushes (14.3%) and two sacks on the day, according to Next Gen Stats.”"
Steele was in just his second season at the time, though, and thrown into the position in a pinch. With a bit of time to prepare for the season, perhaps Steele can perform a bit better this time around.