Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith reportedly out against Eagles
After missing last week’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, with disastrous results, Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith will reportedly miss their upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles as well.
UPDATE: According to DallasCowboys.com’s David Helman, Tyron Smith practiced on Friday. His status for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles is still unknown.
Tyron Smith was in fact present and participating at the open portion of practice on Friday. Sean Lee and Jeff Heath were absent. #cowboyswire
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) November 17, 2017
But according the ESPN’s Jane Slater, the fact Smith will practice, he will reportedly still miss Sunday’s game regardless …
Some good news on Smith, I'm told he's expected to get in some practice Friday. Meaning he's making progress but still won't play Sunday. https://t.co/Yerh5ucQmd
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) November 16, 2017
The Dallas Cowboys face a near impossible task when they kickoff against their divisional rivals, the 8-1 Philadelphia Eagles, on Sunday Night Football in Week 11. And it has little to do with their NFC East opponents themselves.
No, the Cowboys have to somehow figure out a way to win this weekend’s primetime matchup despite missing as many as four Pro Bowl players on their side of the field. Although Dallas has yet to turn in their final injury report, it appears the Cowboys biggest obstacle in their matchup against the Eagles will be finding suitable replacements on their roster.
The Cowboys know they will be without the services of Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott, who will serve the second of a six-game suspension in Week 11. Elliott isn’t expected back until Dallas’ Christmas Eve contest against the Seattle Seahawks. And who knows if the Cowboys will even be in playoff contention by then.
Three other Pro Bowl-caliber players are on Dallas’ current injury report. Those names being wide receiver Dez Bryant (knee), kicker Dan Bailey (groin) and left tackle Tyron Smith (groin/back). And according to ESPN’s Jane Slater, Smith has already been ruled out for the upcoming contest against Philadelphia.
A person with knowledge of the situation tells me Cowboys LT Tyron Smith will not play Sunday (groin). Byron Bell will start instead.
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) November 16, 2017
Without Smith in the lineup last weekend, the Cowboys were blown out by the Atlanta Falcons at home to the tune of 27-7. His replacement, former third round selection Chaz Green, allowed 4.0 sacks by Falcon defensive end Adrian Clayborn. Veteran Byron Bell, who is apparently slated to start at left tackle for Dallas this weekend, allowed 2.0 sacks to Clayborn himself.
Next: Do the Cowboys stand a chance against the Eagles?
Facing a Philadelphia Eagles’ defense that is currently ranked 10th in the NFL in sacks, the Dallas Cowboys offensive line will be tested at AT&T Stadium this weekend. And the play at left tackle will once again be under an intense spotlight during this pivotal divisional game if Tyron Smith is missing from the lineup.