Cowboys’ Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith out indefinitely with torn hamstring: report

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The Eagles’ biggest rival has suffered a massive loss on their offensive line. Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith suffered a torn left hamstring in Wednesday’s practice that could cost him multiple months of the season, according to a report from ESPN.

Smith was hurt as he went to block linebacker Leighton Vander Esch on a running play. He was able to walk to the locker room without any help, and initial tests revealed Smith’s ACL in his left knee was intact, ESPN reported.

More tests will be done on Thursday to determine the severity of the injury, according to ESPN.

But, NFL Networks reports that Smith suffered an avulsion fracture of his knee, which means the hamstring tendon that sits at the back of the knee pulled off the bone and he’ll need surgery. 

Smith’s absence will be a huge loss for the Cowboys and will have major implications on the race to win the NFC East.

Smith, an eight-time Pro Bowler and protector of Dak Prescott’s blind side, has been a mainstay on the Cowboys’ offensive line since 2011. 

With the season approaching, it’s unclear who will replace Smith in the Cowboys’ starting lineup. They could elect to sign a player or make a trade due to their lackluster in-house options.

Here’s a nugget about potential replacements from CBS Sports:

“The other in-house options are 2021 fourth-round pick Josh Ball, who has largely struggled during training camp; 2022 fifth-rounder Matt Waletzko, who has played exclusively on the right side during camp and is coming off an injury; and veteran swing tackle Aviante Collins, who has played just five games since going undrafted out of TCU in 2017.” 

Since 2016, the Cowboys have a 41-24 record with Smith in the lineup compared to 17-15 with him out of the lineup, according to StateMuse. 

The Cowboys play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams within their first five weeks of the season, and Smith will most miss all of those games.

The Eagles’ first game against the Cowboys is on Oct. 16 on Sunday night at Lincoln Financial Field. 

Early reports say that Smith could be out for multiple months of the season, so he’ll that game.

The Eagles will also travel to Dallas on Christmas Eve to play the Cowboys in Week 16. Maybe he’ll be back by then.