DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith is "out indefinitely" after he suffered a torn left hamstring in Wednesday's practice at The Star, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Todd Archer reported late Wednesday.
According to the report, the injury could cost Smith "multiple months of the 2022 season."
Smith exited practice early Wednesday with what was believed to be a knee injury. According to multiple reporters earlier in the evening, including Archer, initial reviews of his knee came back clean.
Smith's injury is a huge blow to an offensive line that is already without former starting right tackle La'el Collins, who Dallas cut in the offseason.
The Cowboys drafted Tyler Smith in the first round and Matt Waletzko in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft but didn't add any other veteran tackles in the offseason to protect themselves in case Smith missed time.
The eight-time Pro Bowler has missed 32 games over the past six seasons due to a variety of injuries.
2021 fourth-round pick Josh Ball, who has yet to play in an NFL game, was expected to start the season as the team's swing tackle, but Smith's injury might force him into the starting lineup in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, barring the team bringing in a player from outside the organization, which they presumably will now do.
Another option would be to have Tyler Smith move out to left tackle, the position the team envisions him playing in the future after he made 23 starts at that spot in his time at Tulsa. There is a potential roadblock to that plan for the time being, however, as Smith missed the last two practices with a "minor ankle injury."
The Cowboys' plan entering the season was to have Smith play guard in 2022 with Tyron Smith cemented at starting left tackle. The younger Smith is currently in a battle with Connor McGovern for the starting job at left guard.
Regardless of the direction they go, this is a major setback for Jerry Jones and company.
Related
