The One Player the Cowboys Could Least Afford to Lose Is Now Battling an Injury That Has Fans on Edge

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The injury list is starting to pile up for the Dallas Cowboys. The offensive line in particular has changed drastically over the last few weeks, but the substitutes have done everything necessary to keep the unit functioning at an adequate level.

While Brock Hoffma has had some ups and downs, T.J. Bass and Nate Thomas have been outstanding, with Thomas even having a chance to take the place of Terence Steele if Steele continues to underperform. One player the Cowboys can’t afford to lose, though, is Tyler Smith.

Smith underwent an MRI on his knee and was added to this week’s injury report. He’s battling tendinitis, per Bryan Broaddus of 105.3 The Fan, which figures to be an issue all year. Even though the backups have been doing their job, the Cowboys might be forced to start one of their new, unfamiliar faces.

Cowboys OL injuries piling up for the worst with Tyler Smith injury update

Assuming Thomas starts at left tackle if Tyler Guyton (concussion) can’t go, the Cowboys will likely turn to veteran signee Hakeem Adeniji, who played both tackle and guard in training camp. He’s played in 45 games in his career over four seasons, including 15 starts.

Smith is arguably the best player on the Cowboys’ roster. He’s a force multiplier at the guard position, and inked a deserved four-year, $96 million extension with $82.1 million guaranteed just a few weeks ago. The Cowboys are incredibly deep on the interior OL, but more injuries could force them to call more players off the practice squad or sign guys off the street.

Let’s say Smith does have to miss some time. For Sunday’s game against the Jets, you’re probably looking at Nate Thomas at left tackle, Hakeem Adeniji at left guard, Brock Hoffman at center, T.J. Bass at right guard, and Terence Steele at right tackle. The Cowboys would be missing four of their starters on the offensive line.

Smith’s four-year contract extension was a no-brainer, even for Jerry Jones. The big man from Tulsa is one of the faces of the franchise. Even though the Jets don’t have a great defensive front, losing Smith for any bit of time would be devastating.