Dallas Cowboys right tackle Terence Steele to undergo MRI after suffering knee injury

The Dallas Cowboys just scooted by the Houston Texans on Sunday with a game-winning scoring drive, but the win came at a cost. Throughout the 27-23 battle, Cowboys players went to the locker room, and some returned to the sideline, starting right tackle Terence Steele, however, did not.

The team fears Steele suffered a serious knee injury, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, and he will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the damage.

The 10-3 Cowboys were so close to getting their best five back on the field with left tackle Tyron Smith designated for return from IR last week. However, with Steele now questionable, they’ll again have to tap into the reserves.

Tyron Smith nearing return to play for Cowboys

Rapoport added to his report on Steele that Smith, who tore his hamstring in preseason practices, “progressed well enough last week that playing this week is very possible.”

After activating Smith from IR, the Cowboys have a 21-day window to put him back on the active roster. The All-Pro left tackle hasn’t played a game yet this season. McCarthy has previously described Smith’s progress and movement as “excellent,” however, the timing didn’t line up for a season debut versus the Texans.

Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones teased Smith’s return to the practice field after the win against the Colts last Sunday

“He had a good week this week,” Jones said. “I can’t think of any single thing that could help a football team more than to have Tyron Smith come in healthy at left tackle. I really can’t. So right there is the biggest lift that you could draw up for the Dallas Cowboys without exception. We’ve got that.

“We’re in relatively great shape at 9-3, and we’ve got a potentially healthy Tyron Smith. That will add to the entire group of offensive linemen and give us not only flex but give us strength down through there.”

Rookie offensive lineman Tyler Smith has played in place of the veteran for the first 13 games of the season and could help fill in at right tackle if Steele is out multiple weeks as feared.

This week, Dallas heads to Jacksonville to face the 5-8 Jaguars. The Jags came up with a big win on the road versus Tennessee on Sunday, 36-22.