'It's Huge!' Dallas Cowboys Injury Update: Tyron Smith & 'Best 5' Offensive Line Together at San Francisco 49ers?
It was, notably, 2021. Yes, that's the last time the Dallas Cowboys had their preferred offensive line - "the Best 5'' combination - playing together.
This desired combination includes Tyron Smith at left tackle, Zack Martin at right guard, Tyler Smith at left guard, Tyler Biadasz at center, and Terence Steele playing right tackle. But it happened in practice on Thursday at The Star. And now it looks like it's going to happen again in Sunday's Week 5 showdown at San Francisco.
Unfortunately, this combination has not been available due to injuries as each of the players has struggled to remain healthy at some point.
Prior to the Cowboy's Week 3 trip to Arizona, Tyron suffered a knee injury in practice that has kept him out for the last two games. Biadasz (hamstring) and Martin (ankle) were both injured during that pre-Cards practice as well.
Martin, one of the best guards in the league, suffered a bruised quad in Sunday's 38-3 win over the Patriots.
Tyron Smith and Martin were both full participants in Thursday's practice, and with everyone else healthy.... it seems as if these might be the starters on the O-line Sunday night against the 49ers.
"It's going to be great," said second-year lineman Tyler Smith on Tyron Smith being back. "He's a vet when it comes to the passing game, so pass pro is always gonna be solid - just having that presence. I'm confident with [whoever] is next to me, but having right there is gonna be huge."
Smith has had his fair share of injuries as well, most recently exiting practice with a hamstring strain that kept him from playing the week 1 game against the New York Giants.
Steel has made a remarkable return to the lineup this season after a major injury in December 2022 with a damaged knee. He signed a new contract in September for five years and $82.5 million, which guarantees he will be a regular in the O-line here for years. ... except due to injuries around here, there has not been a "regular'' O-line - until maybe now.
This group together adds together as a fine mixture of youth and experience and talent, and while there is nothing certain yet, Cowboys Nation is surely crossing its fingers at the idea of these five guys finally getting to play together - an advancement in terms of Dak Prescott protection and more than feels massive for this Cowboys team.
