Cowboys Starting Player Will Miss Game Against Buccaneers in Week 1

It looks like Tampa Bay won't be the only team short-handed along the offensive line in this Week 1 matchup between the Bucs and Cowboys.

The much anticipated Week 1 rematch between the Bucs and Cowboys from last season will look a little different this time around.

The Bucs will be missing some key members of their interior offensive line – which has become a hot-button topic of late – but it appears as though the Dallas Cowboys will also be missing a key part of their offensive line now, too.

READ MORE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut veteran wide receiver

#Cowboys standout LT Tyron Smith actually suffered an avulsion fracture of the knee, meaning the hamstring tendon that sits at the back of the knee pulled off the bone and he needs surgery, sources say. If he’s back at all, it’ll be December. A tough loss.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 25, 2022

Tyron Smith has dealt with his fair share of injuries in recent years, but he's still one of the best offensive tackles in football – when healthy –  and a crucial safety net for the Cowboys' star quarterback, Dak Prescott.

The Cowboys' offense will already be without their second-best wide receiver in this game, Michael Gallup, as he's still working his way back from a torn ACL. 

Based on Tyron Smith's age, and value to the team, his injury signifies a potentially catastrophic loss for the Cowboys, and more specifically, their hopes of contending in the NFC this season. 

However, the team's outspoken owner, Jerry Jones, doesn't seem to view it that way.

READ MORE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sign Former Eagles Starting Linebacker

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on ESPN's First Take about LT Tyron Smith: "It's a setback. ...We'll have him at the right time. We'll have him in that San Francisco [playoff] game, or the equivalent of it that we had last year." Mentioned Tyler Smith by name as possible replacement.

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 25, 2022

It's not surprising that Jones is taking the more optimistic route, not only in terms of projecting Tyron Smith's chances of returning this season but also in assuming the Cowboys will be a playoff team once again this year.

In regards to Smith's likelihood of returning this season, Dr. David J. Chao, who is a former NFL team doctor, and the medical expert known online as Pro Football Doc, has a more ominous outlook. 

#Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith suffered an avulsion fracture and a torn hamstring in Wednesday’s practice

He will undergo surgery and our Pro Football Docs project he has a slim chance for a late season return

Full details: https://t.co/TDktnOTlGc pic.twitter.com/AhmcVCwpIG

— Sports Injury Central (@SICscore) August 25, 2022

Hopefully, Smith can return sooner than expected, as he's been a true professional, and one hell of a player, his entire career. 

So what does this mean for the Bucs? 

Well, it means there will be more pressure on the team's edge rushers – specifically Shaquil Barrett, who usually lines up on the right edge – to not only generate pressure but produce some splash plays in this game. 

There's no denying that Tyron Smith's absence in the Cowboys lineup will provide a clearer path to do so. The question is, will Shaq Barrett be able to take advantage? 

We'll find out soon enough, as this exciting Week 1 matchup on Sunday Night Football between the Buccaneers and Cowboys in Dallas is just 17 days away.  

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