On Wednesday (Day 2 of OTAs), local media members got the opportunity to check out the Dallas Cowboys in person for the first time this offseason. While exciting notes were provided about how the team looked, fans freaked out when they learned about two key players absent during the team’s practice because of injuries.
In a tweet by Dallas Cowboys reporter Michael Gehlken, Gehlken said All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith experienced back tightness Wednesday morning, and out of precaution, the coaches decided to hold him out. Additionally, newly-signed WR James Washington was wearing a walking boot on his left, but the reason why was not found.
While it’s not ideal to have two of your starters already hit with the injury bug so early in the offseason, HC Mike McCarthy calmed fans’ nerves somewhat when he said Washington should be ready by mini-camp, and there was no long-term concern.
However, fans went back into panic mode when they heard no in-depth update provided on Smith since they have lived through Smith constantly being unavailable since 2015.
Other players that didn’t practice on Wednesday included WR Jalen Tolbert (who was rehabbing on the sideline, but no report was found on what he was working through), WR Michael Gallup (who’s still recovering from his ACL injury), RB Rico Dowdle (hip), RB JaQuan Hardy, LB Jabril Cox (ACL recovery), LB Damone Clark, C Alec Lindstrom, DT Carlos Watkins, and DT Osa Odighizuwa (quad contusion).
Although we still sit two months away from Training Camp and over 100 days till the season opener, it should be interesting to see how the Cowboys manage these injuries, but it’s not time to push the panic button.
My only advice to fans is to pay close attention to the franchise in the coming weeks (to see if they get more active in free agency to provide depth), but most importantly say your prayers and light your candles for no more injuries since they like to haunt the Cowboys every year.
