Injuries have hit every team in the NFL through the first few weeks of the season. The Dallas Cowboys haven’t been immune to the injury bug. They’ve played without their starting offensive tackles for each of the last two games and have been without La’el Collins the entire season. Though the Dallas Cowboys have for the most part been able to overcome the injuries they’ve suffered, it’s hard to deny they’ve had an impact.
It sounds like the Cowboys may be getting some good news on the injury front with Tyron Smith getting involved in the team period of practice. Getting Tyron Smith back on the offensive line will provide a boost for the offense. Per Mike Fisher of 105.3 The Fan and SI.com, Tyron Smith is on track to play Sunday against the Browns.
ALERT: Tyron Smith (neck) is 'on course' to play for #Cowboys vs. #Browns on Sunday. Tank (knee) and Trevon (knee/shoulder) also expected to play in Week 4. @1053thefan
— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) October 2, 2020
Brandon Knight has been good in Smith’s absence, but getting Smith back allows the Dallas Cowboys to improve the right tackle position by flipping Knight to the other side of the line to replace Terrance Steele. Steele has been serviceable in his three starts this season and has the potential to be the Dallas Cowboys swing tackle of the future. With Knight replacing Steele, the Cowboys offensive line should be improved from the performances we’ve seen early in the 2020 season.
Tyron Smith’s injury woes have been well documented over the last few years. Since the 2016 season, he’s missed three games a year. While you’d obviously prefer to have your left tackle available for all 13 games, Tyron Smith, with his ability and his contract remains one of the best players at one of the best bargains in all of football.
The Cowboys are better when they have Tyron Smith on the field. It’s incredibly difficult to find offensive lineman in the NFL. So, while you’d prefer to have your left tackle available for all 16 games, you’re more than happy to have to come up with a backup plan for three games a season.
It’s perfect timing as well, with Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns coming to town this Sunday. The Dallas Cowboys are looking to get back to .500 on the season and put themselves in a better position in the division.
Even though every team in the NFC East is under .500, the Cowboys can’t sit around and hope to win the division going 8-8. They need to start winning games and stacking wins together. Though the Dallas Cowboys have their deficiencies, they’re the best team in the NFC East, though that’s not saying a whole lot. They have to begin establishing that reality in the NFC East through wins. Getting Tyron Smith back for this week four matchup should go along way to help the Dallas Cowboys establish themselves in the NFC East.
