Tyron Smith Likely to Return Against Jets, La’el Collins Also Possible

Missing Tyron Smith last week as a significant factor in the Dallas Cowboys’ loss to the Green Bay Packers. Losing La’el Collins midway through the game certainly didn’t help, either. Thankfully, the Cowboys may be getting both starting offensive tackles back this week when they face the New York Jets.

In a radio show appearance earlier today, Owner and General Manager Jerry Jones stated that Smith was on pace to get back on the field this Sunday in New York. There is not the same certainty around Collins, but a recent knee MRI was negative for any major injury.

Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones tells @1053thefan that Tyron Smith’s progress from a sprained ankle looks “promising” with the Jets up next, but they’ll see how the week goes. Jones not ruling out La’el Collins (sprained knee) either. #cowboyswire

— Rob Phillips (@robphillips3) October 8, 2019

Assuming Tyron is able to play but La’el is not, we will likely see Cameron Fleming starting at right tackle against the Jets.

Fleming played on the left side last week with Smith out, and backup Brandon Knight came in the game once Collins was injured. Knight had a solid game in his first regular season action, so perhaps Dallas would consider giving him the opportunity to play again this week.

The Jets only have six sacks on the year, which is near the bottom of the league, so Dallas may also be tempted to give Collins an extra week off. Week 7’s critical matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles has to already be weighing on their minds.

Even if we only get Tyron Smith back this week, that will go a long way to helping stabilize the offense and giving Dallas a better opportunity to win.