Tyron Smith Injury: Avulsion Fracture Likely To Keep LT Out Majority of Season

The Dallas Cowboys were once known for their great offensive line, but after an injury to their Pro Bowl left tackle, that likely won’t be the case this season.

Tyron Smith suffered an avulsion fracture in his left knee and a torn hamstring at Wednesday's practice. He will undergo surgery and the Pro Football Docs are not optimistic about his chances to return this season.

The Cowboys have said Smith is out until December at the earliest, but his absence could easily stretch into January. New York Jets right tackle Mekhi Becton also suffered an avulsion fracture during a preseason practice and is out for the season.

Smith suffered the non-contact injury during practice and was able to walk off the field. Over his last two seasons, he has missed 20 games and hasn’t played at least 16 games since 2015. His injury could cause the Cowboys to lose the NFC East, which they are favored to win at +145, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

The 31-year-old tackle was one of the Cowboy’s best players last season, registering a 91.4 overall PFF grade and 88.0 pass blocking grade. Since 2019, with Smith playing, they average 5.4 yards per carry, and with Smith off the field, they average 4.3. 

So, the team is a whole yard worst without him playing. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s QBR running play action since 2019 with Smith on the field is 78.0, and without is 47.2. When Smith is out, the Cowboys have problems sustaining a top offense.

The Cowboys started this off-season by playing fifth-round rookie Matt Waletzko as the backup to Smith. But a shoulder injury has caused him to miss the first two preseason games. So, former fourth-round pick Josh Ball has filled in as the backup to Smith. But, his play has been less than stellar.

The Cowboys drafted rookie Tyler Smith, who played left tackle in college, as their eventual replacement for Smith. He’s spent almost the entire off-season playing left guard. Changing his position while battling an ankle injury could hurt his progression. Look for the Cowboys to sign a swing tackle like Jason Peters or Eric Fisher.