Cowboys losing Tyron Smith could force major offensive line changes

If the Dallas Cowboys lose Tyron Smith for the entire season, it could force massive changes

For the second day in a row, the starting left tackle for the Dallas Cowboys, Tyron Smith, missed practice on Thursday due to an ongoing issue with neck stingers. Smith just made his return to the starting lineup for Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns after missing the previous two games due to the injury.

Now, according to NFL Network reporters Mike Garafolo and Jane Slater, Smith is gathering different medical opinions about his neck injury. And one of the options on the table he’s considering is shutting himself down for the season.

Injuries to both Smith and right tackle La’el Collins have forced the Cowboys to play two undrafted free agents in their place. Brandon Knight, undrafted out of Indiana in 2019, has started at left tackle while Smith was out.

Terence Steele, an undrafted rookie out of Texas Tech, has started all four games at right tackle in the place of Collins. Steele was replaced against the Browns by Knight for poor play.

At this point, it appears the Cowboys will be without Smith against the New York Giants on Sunday. Knight starting in his place would follow the current trend. But Smith’s absence, both now and potentially for the rest of the season, could force some major changes along the offensive line.

Dallas Cowboys experts foresee major offensive line changes possible

David Helman of DallasCowboys.com threw out some major reshuffling ideas that could be made to the team’s O-Line in the absence of Smith. That includes the replacement of Steele as the starter at right tackle with either Jordan Mills or the newly signed Greg Senat. Helman also mentioned shifting guards Zack Martin or Connor Williams to tackle for the season.

Veteran offensive tackle Cameron Erving, who is currently on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury, could also factor in at some point as well.

The Athletic’s Jon Machota believes shifting All-Pro right guard Zack Martin to one of the outside tackle positions has to be a serious consideration if both Tyrone Smith and La’el Collins are lost for the season. According to Jane Slater, Collins just had successful hip surgery and will not return until next season.