Cowboys to begin season versus Giants without starting left guard Tyler Smith

The Dallas Cowboys will kick off the regular season against the New York Giants on Sunday night without starting left guard Tyler Smith, according to NFL Network’s Jay Glazer.

After an MRI confirmed the 2022 first-round draft pick out of Tulsa suffered a hamstring strain, the Cowboys did what they could to get him cleared by gameday but it appears he’ll miss his first game so far in his tenure with Dallas.

Last season as a rookie, Smith played primarily left tackle last season while filling in for Tyron Smith after the All-Pro sustained an injury during training camp. He played all 17 games across left tackle and left guard, surrendering six sacks in 1,144 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus analytics.

Despite the loss of Tyler Smith, the Cowboys also have some good news on the offensive line. Tyron Smith, a late addition to the injury report due to an ankle injury, will start, according to Glazer.

The long-time starter at left tackle was questionable but is good to go, per the report. He hasn’t started a game at the position since the 2021 season. The veteran out of USC played primarily right tackle after returning from a near-season-ending injury last year before playoffs.

Without Tyler Smith, Dallas will likely start rookie Asim Richards or swing tackle Chuma Edoga, a free agent pickup. The Cowboys also moved another lineman, center Brock Hoffman, from the practice squad to the active roster for gameday.

Cowboys’ Prescott respectful of Giants, despite win streak

As the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Dak Prescott hasn’t lost to the New York Giants in 10 straight appearances. Despite that fact, the former Mississippi State star wouldn’t stoop to gloat ahead of the season opener on Sunday night.

“It’s a good team,” Prescott said. “Going to give them respect and just do what I’ve done every year, every time playing these guys, prepare my ass off going into this game and just be ready for whatever they have. But they do have my respect. It’s always fun playing New York, and definitely playing them up at their place.”

The last time Prescott lost to New York, he was a rookie. The Cowboys did lose to the Giants again in 2020, but the quarterback didn’t play due to his season-ending ankle injury.

The two NFC East foes kickoff at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET.