Jerry Jones says he's 'optimistic' on Tyron Smith after tackle lands on injury report
Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith is once again battling an injury but, according to team owner and general manager Jerry Jones, there’s nothing to worry about this time. Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on Friday that he’s “optimistic, period,” about Smith’s status for this Sunday’s noon kickoff.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy also gave the offensive lineman a vote of confidence, sharing with reporters that he completed all walkthrough reps with the team on Friday and said he’s made “progress.”
The veteran left tackle hit the injury sheet with a neck injury on Thursday that had him practice in limited capacity ahead of Dallas’s Week 8 home game against the L.A. Rams.
“It was kind of a flare-up of an old injury,” McCarthy shared. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow, but he’s definitely made a lot of progress from yesterday to today.”
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 on the list 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.
Smith was incentivized to play more this season
The Cowboys worked out a contract restructure this offseason for Smith that gave the 12th-year veteran and oft-injured tackle more security.
He agreed to a very team-friendly deal that was laden with incentives. Originally, the former All-Pro left tackle had a $17.6 million cap hit coming for the 2023 season for his $13.6 million salary. Now, Smith has the opportunity to make even more money – but only if he plays a lot.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Smith agreed to a $3 million signing bonus and a $3 million base salary that the team fully guaranteed. He could get up to $9 million more via playing time incentives and $2 million additionally as a playoff incentive. The contract restructuring cleared $9.6 million in cap space for Dallas in 2023.
The former first-round draft pick out of USC signed an eight-year contract extension worth $97.6 million in 2015. He will be an unrestricted free agent ahead of the 2024 season.