Tests confirmed on Monday that Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith suffered a high right ankle sprain on the last drive of the Dallas Cowboys–New Orleans Saints game on Sunday.
Smith’s injury occurred on the first play of the Cowboys’ final drive, as he was rolled into from behind while Dak Prescott was being sacked. After walking off the field on his own, Smith was carted into the locker room before the game concluded. He was seen with the team in a protective boot after the matchup. While this injury usually has a four-to-six-week recovery time, Smith is listed as week-to-week, implying the injury isn’t as serious as previously thought.
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett commented on Smith’s injury after the game.
“It’s hard to say anything definitively about him, but we did get some favorable results from the MRI,” Garrett told reporters about Smith.
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Smith has had a long injury history these past three years. He has missed at least three games each year due to a lingering back issue, despite only missing one game in his first five years as a Cowboy. Even with this history, Smith has made the Pro Bowl for six consecutive seasons, which shows just how great he is when healthy. His presence will be missed on the field, as he skillfully protects Prescott’s blind side on an elite offensive line.
Tackle Cameron Fleming replaced Smith on the final drive on Sunday and is ready to play in Week five against the Green Bay Packers should Smith not be ready in time. While Smith will most likely miss the Week five Packers game, the team is hopeful he can return for Week six against the New York Jets.
Smith isn’t the only injured player on the Cowboys’ roster. Pro Bowl Defensive End Demarcus Lawrence also suffered a bruised right shoulder injury late into the Cowboys-Saints game, though it will not impede his ability to play next week. Lawrence had surgery on his left shoulder this past offseason. Meanwhile, Cowboys backup safety Kevon Frazier suffered a torn pectoral muscle and will be placed on injured reserve.
