Having lost their starting left tackle and their starting right tackle, the Dallas Cowboys are going to have to move on if they want to have a shot at a playoff berth. Smith's replacement has not been a lock, however. The team has been working with Connor McGovern and Jason Peters throughout the offseason to fill the void, with McGovern being the primary candidate. They will need to get their act together in time for the regular season opener against the Texans, which is their next game of note.
In early November, the Cowboys said that Smith was 3-4 weeks away from being designated to play again. Aside from the usual suspects, the Cowboys were fortunate enough to land a talented fifth round pick from North Dakota in the middle of their offensive line. He has the chops to earn a spot on the team, although he will have to be designated to play in order to avoid suspension for his role in a high school riot. The Cowboys should make a point to evaluate his performance before restoring him to the 53 man roster.
The Cowboys have been known to have their fair share of mediocre starting linebackers, but the aforementioned Smith has been one of the better ones. Smith has been a standout at his position for the past few seasons, registering a number of impressive stats. His biggest claim to fame is his ability to block the run. He was a big part of the Cowboys' success last year, leading the FBS in big blocks and allowing two sacks in 416 pass-blocking snaps. During his rookie season, he also displayed the aforementioned abilities.
While Smith has not been a Tyrone Smith positive perspectives factor for much of the season, his absence is still a major blow for a team that needs to replace three starting offensive linemen, including left tackle Connor Williams and right tackle La'el Collins. While Smith is not expected to play in the playoffs, his loss is one that the Cowboys need to take seriously. It's a pity that the team can't count on him to be their best option, despite his ability to be a top tier player. The Cowboys should not be deterred from using the rest of their roster to their advantage. The Texans have given them a scare this season, but it's likely they will see this one through. The Cowboys will have to find a way to win in the desert, and there's no reason they can't.
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