The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line situation is a little precarious heading into a huge matchup with the Eagles, but some optimism remains that Tyron Smith will be ready to go.
The veteran left tackle was added to the injury report with a neck injury last week after getting a stinger in practice. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Friday on 105.3 The Fan that he was optimistic Smith would be able to play, but the eight-time Pro Bowler ultimately was inactive for their drubbing of the Rams.
Making matters worse, his backup Chuma Edoga, was carted off the field after sustaining a right ankle sprain. It is believed to be a low-ankle sprain instead of high-ankle, which is encouraging. Still, that casts doubt about whether Smith and/or Edoga will be available against Philly, but Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones took a hopeful tone with both players.
“Actually, the initial news we’re getting back on Chuma is that it’s not as bad as we first feared,” Jones said. "You always worry about those, land on the outside of the ankle and push inward, the good news is it wasn’t torqued in the right direction to give him a high-ankle. I think he’s got an opportunity to be in the plans and be available, hopefully as early as this week.
“Certainly, Tyron was real close to getting back for this game. Hopefully we’ll have a full allotment of our offensive linemen there in terms of availability for the Eagles.”
Smith getting hurt in practice was a gut punch, especially coming off the bye. It sounds as though him playing against the Rams was close to happening, however.
"I think these are things that sometimes are just unfortunate," Jones said. "I think that’s the case here with Tyron in terms of these couple of freak injuries he’s had here in practice. I know he was wanting to play yesterday, the doctors and the trainers decided that it was in his best interest not to in terms of the strength level, albeit close. I just think he’ll respond this week and hopefully he’ll be ready to go against the Eagles."
Asim Richards took over Sunday when Edoga left. The rookie fifth-rounder presumably would be in line to start against the Eagles if neither Edogna nor Smith are available.
