Cowboys finally have key player back where he belongs

The Dallas Cowboys are waiting for their All-Pro right guard to get to training camp. Meanwhile, their veteran left tackle has returned to familiar surroundings.

Jerry Jones’ team always seems to be in the spotlight, whether it’s making news or not. Quarterback Dak Prescott is a constant discussion point and is coming off a rough second-half of 2022. Right now, head coach Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys are awaiting the presence of eight-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro guard Zack Martin, who is looking for a new contract.

Meanwhile, there’s been a significant piece of “news” regarding the offensive front. Veteran tackle Tyron Smith, a fixture on the left side, switched to right tackle late last season when injuries hit the line. As he prepares for his 13th NFL season, he’s returns to left tackle.

“I’m back (to being) comfortable,” said the eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill (via Pro Football Talk). “I’ve been playing left for a long time. I’m just back to my normal spot, and I’m knocking the rust off right now.

“I’m concentrating on the small things and getting the work I need, and getting the work after practice to stay on track and stay healthy on the field.”

The latter part of his statement may be the most important. In his first five seasons from 2011-15, he played and started in all but one game. Over the past seven seasons, he’s missed a combined 45 contests (33 of those the past three years) and hasn’t played a full season since ‘15. However, Smith was around for a total of six postseason games over that stretch. Versatile Tyler Smith, Dallas’ first-round pick in 2022, started at both left tackle and left guard.

Back to Tyron Smith. Despite missing six games in 2021, he was still named to another Pro Bowl. Again, if he can stay healthy, that’s nothing but good news for the team, especially once Martin makes his return.

“He’s played a lot of football,” added McCarthy. “I’m well aware of how much time he’s missed, but Tyron has been in the building every single day, pretty much, since the season was over. So, he’s put a tremendous amount of time in addressing some of the challenges he had last year.”

Since 2016, injuries have seemingly proven to be more of a problem for Tyron Smith than opposing pass-rushers.