Offensive Tackle Tyron Smith is expected to return to practice today according to Head Coach Mike McCarthy. Barring any setbacks this week, this should put the Pro Bowler on track to play this Sunday in a critical NFC showdown with the Arizona Cardinals.
Smith has missed Dallas' last two games with an ankle injury and three others earlier this season. When healthy he's still one of the top left tackles in football, hence being named to another Pro Bowl, but game absences have become a major issue for Tyron for the last six years.
Since 2016, Smith has missed at least three games or more every season. A few have been for veteran rest but most have been due to nagging neck and shoulder problems, plus other issues like his ankle in 2021.
#Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy says he expects LT Tyron Smith to practice as a limited participant, at minimum. But also said he could be a full participant. So it sounds optimistic
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) December 29, 2021
Getting Tyron back for this Sunday would be huge for the playoff-bound Cowboys as they tangle with another NFC contender in Arizona. Currently locked in a three-way tie with the Bucs and Rams for seeding purposes, and only a game back of top-seeded Green Bay, Dallas should treat this one as an early postseason game.
While they've been slipping lately, the Cardinals were the NFC's frontrunner for much of the year and are still one of the top teams in the conference. After weeks of picking on their lesser division rivals, this a good test for the Cowboys as they get ready for the tournament.
Despite the injuries, Tyron Smith is still one of the best player on this team. His likely return for this week, and hopefully the entire playoffs, is a huge boost for the Cowboys.
