Cowboys at Jets: O-line injury updates for Tyron Smith and La'el Collins

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - The Dallas Cowboys face a game-time decision today regarding the availability of left tackle Tyron Smith while also dealing with the bad news regarding the likely unavailability of right tackle La'el Collins for the meeting with the New York Jets.

A source tells CowboysSI.com that Smith, the Pro Bowl standout who is nursing an ankle injury, will test the ankle in pregame warmups with plans to play. Smith was injured in the final possession of the game in a Week 4 loss at New Orleans and has been unable to practice since that time.

Collins sustained a knee sprain in last week's loss to Green Bay. He also did not practice all week and we are told that team trainers are planning to have him sit out today's game.

If Smith plays, the Cowboys have a relative easy plug-and-play with swing tackle Cameron Fleming - despite the fact that he spent most of the week practicing at left tackle. However, if both Smith and Collins miss, not only would Fleming start (likely at left tackle), but so would undrafted rookie Brandon Knight, who manned the right tackle spot all week and subbed for Collins in the Green Bay game.

All-Pro right guard Zack Martin has expressed faith in the rookie, saying "I was very proud of him (in the Packers game). “That’s a hard situation to be in, let alone being a rookie and never suiting up for a game. I was very proud of how he came in and didn’t blink. I feel comfortable with him in there and getting the job done.”

Meanwhile, Tyron Smith, in an exclusive visit with CowboysSI.com, expressed the same faith in Fleming. (Story here.)

The unknowns regarding the O-line's health took its toll on the way the Cowboys were able to practice all week. Knowing more about who's who today will obviously help in the area of clarity. But it remains to be seen if it will help in the area of this group performing with unity, always an offensive line key.

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