5 Reasons the Cowboys will beat the Texans in Week 14
By Randy Gurzi
3. Tyron Smith Should Give Cowboys a Boost
Before the season began, Dallas lost starting left tackle Tyron Smith to a hamstring injury. It was a huge blow, and it also highlighted how bad the depth was on the offensive line.
Thankfully, they were bailed out by rookie Tyler Smith and veteran Jason Peters. Smith kicked out from guard to tackle and held up admirably as they prepared Peters to step in. The two both spent time at left tackle and left guard, and in recent weeks, Smith has been spending more time inside in anticipation of the return of No. 77.
Now in Week 14, it looks as though he will be back. The All-Pro left tackle was on the practice field on Wednesday, as the Cowboys are activating him from the IR.
Cowboys LT Tyron Smith is back on field. Not only his first practice since Aug. 24 hamstring tendon injury but first with LT Jason Peters as teammate. They chatted at length. Seventeen combined Pro Bowls between the two likely future Pro Football Hall of Famers. pic.twitter.com/GBzEgRTxXb
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 7, 2022
Smith signaled a change in philosophy for the Dallas front office back in 2011. Before he was added with the No. 9 overall selection, Jerry Jones had never taken an offensive lineman in the first round. Since adding Smith out of USC, they’ve taken Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, and now Tyler Smith in Round 1.
In 11 seasons, Smith has made the Pro Bowl eight times and was a First-Team All-Pro twice and Second-Team All-Pro twice. The only thing that’s ever slowed him down has been his durability concerns, but he’s coming back at the right time, and should give this franchise a boost.