Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith was “to determine” on Wednesday. However, Mike McCarthy, the head coach, has now confirmed Smith’s status in Dallas’ Week 9 matchup with the Denver Broncos.
Smith will not be able to play on Sunday due to a “bone spur” at his ankle.
According to Jon Machota, a Dallas insider, McCarthy stated that he doesn’t consider this a long-term injury and will miss the Cowboys’ seven-time Pro Bowler.
Cowboys LT Tyron Smith (ankle) is not expected to play Sunday against Denver, but Mike McCarthy said: “I’m not looking at this as a long term injury at all.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 4, 2021
Smith suffered the same ankle injury which forced him to withdraw from the New England Patriots game two weeks ago. The Cowboys’ two-time All Pro lineman has been able to play in all seven games this season, despite the nagging problem.
The Cowboys have a record of 6-1 so far this year. This could mean that they will be following a similar strategy to what was used with Dak Prescott, their quarterback, in Week 8. Smith may be able to come back stronger when his team gets into the second half.
Smith is out, but there are many options for the Cowboys at left tackle. McCarthy didn’t disclose his plans to replace Smith as starting LT but Ty Nsekhe, Terence Steele, and La’el Collins, who are all veterans, were available options.