Cowboys add veteran Tyron Smith to Thursday injury report for Week 8 vs Rams
After starting the week with just one player on the injury report, the Dallas Cowboys added a key starter to the list on Thursday. Veteran left tackle Tyron Smith hit the injury sheet with a neck injury that had him practice in limited capacity ahead of Dallas’s Week 8 home game against the L.A. Rams.
According to Dallas Morning News‘ Calvin Watkins, Smith suffered a “stinger.” The Cowboys’ injury report on Friday should provide further insight into the former first-rounder’s status for Sunday afternoon.
Smith joined safety Juanyeh Thomas on the injury report on Thursday. Thomas was the only player listed on Wednesday and he practiced in full despite a hamstring issue. In five games played this season, the backup safety has five tackles, including two tackles for loss. He’s also blocked a kick.
As for Tyron Smith, this isn’t his first time on the injury report this season. He missed games in weeks three and four this year due to a minor knee problem.
Filling in for him in his absence was free agent addition Chuma Edoga. If Smith is unable to play on Sunday against the 3-4 Rams, Edoga will likely slot in at left tackle with Tyler Smith remaining at left guard.
Cowboys reunite with RB coach Jeff Blasko after six-week absence
Ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the L.A. Rams on Sunday, head coach Mike McCarthy made a big announcement regarding his staff.
Under McCarthy, the Dallas Cowboys revamped the coaching staff after a disappointing second-round playoff exit last season. Among the changes made was the promotion of Jeff Blasko from assistant offensive line coach to running backs coach and run game coordinator.
Due to health issues, however, Blasko hasn’t been able to coach Tony Pollard and the rest of the Cowboys running backs through the first six games. Now, McCarthy announced Wednesday, Blasko is back on the field with the team.
Through the first six weeks, several other coaches combined their efforts to work with the running backs and on the run game itself. During that time, the Cowboys have compiled a 4-2 record while leaning heavily on Pollard and Co.
Dallas ranks sixth in the NFL in rushing attempts per game (30.3). With Blasko back, the team could stand to improve in yards per carry (3.9), which is currently 21st in the league. Despite his absence, the running backs still averaged over 100 rushing yards per game through Week 7. Tony Pollard is 15th among the NFL’s starting running backs with 370 total yards.