Cowboys Josh Ball OUT; Zack Martin, Tyron Smith Need Roster Move?
The Dallas Cowboys have two long-time stalwart answers in the offensive line, and altogether, the starting five looks solid.
But the depth here is being tested as Josh Ball on Sunday underwent an MRI today that revealed a injury in his hip/groin area that will sideline him about two months, the Dallas News first reported.
Injuries have been a part of this group's story for a time now, featuring left tackle Tyron Smith, who was striving for his ninth Pro Bowl appearance before the 2022 season kicked off. But a hamstring injury in the preseason and an avulsion fracture of the knee a week later in practice sidelined him for most of the regular season.
Smith returned to the gridiron by Week 14, but he was placed at right tackle. Most veterans would be disappointed at their organization for not putting them back in their main position, but Cowboys right guard Zack Martin explained that Smith's approach defined him as a leader.
"For a guy that's played that position for so long to be willing to help out the football team and switch over to right tackle is pretty cool to see," Martin said during Thursday's press conference. "It's a great example set for the young guys."
Nevertheless, Smith is back home at left tackle for this season and Martin said "he looks good." ... and the professionalism of both guys is a key to the 2023 Dallas offensive line, which seems like it might be only one piece - a sixth guy - away from excellence.
Martin (who missed most of camp in a now-settled contract dispute) has been among the Cowboys' iron men throughout his career, as he's missed very few games due to injuries. The eight-time Pro Bowler said that he "can't imagine going through" what Smith had to do last season, but admires him for it.
"He battled his way back and was able to play late in the season," Martin said. "Tyron hasn't changed from the moment I got here. He's all business all the time, he comes into work every day and that hasn't changed."
Martin and Smith - both viewed as likely future Hall of Famers - have been widely considered to be among the best offensive linemen in the NFL since 2014. Dallas' offensive line has five good pieces in place. But now Ball is a non-factor. Maybe fifth-round rookie Asam Richards elevates as a helper? Maybe worker bees like Matt Farniok are good enough? Maybe a trade awaits?
There will be more movement, and these two have seen a lot of fellow front-five teammates come and go. But their impact on the Cowboys organization has been extremely palpable. ... and their availability in 2023 is key to Dallas' push to a Super Bowl.
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