FIRST LOOK: Tyron Smith optimism remains, but so does sidelined status; Cowboys LB Vander Esch absent from practice

FIRST LOOK: Tyron Smith optimism remains, but so does sidelined status; Cowboys LB Vander Esch absent from practice

FRISCO - Tyron Smith is in attendance at the Wednesday practice here inside The Star. And optimism remains about his quick recovery. But the Dallas Cowboys' standout left tackle, dealing with a right ankle injury, looks like he'll need at least another day of rehab. Oh, and a defensive standout appears to not be in attendance ...

Here's your first look at Tyron arriving to observe the practice session - and to, I assume, catch up with trainer Britt Brown for some sideline work.

.@dallascowboys Tyron Smith (ankle) optimism remains ... but #Cowboys Pro Bowl LT will wait at least another day. #DALvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/H2zsGzUAQm

— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) October 9, 2019

Coach Jason Garrett told us before the practice session that Smith would be limited "at best.'' This was Wednesday's "best.''

Hopefully Thursday will mark a better "best'' for the Pro Bowl left tackle as the 3-2 Cowboys, losers of two straight, work to rebound this weekend in a Sunday meeting at the winless New York Jets.

Smith, who injured his ankle on the final series in the 12-10 loss at New Orleans two weeks ago, was moving last week without the walking boot and over the weekend was doing on-field training with the medical staff.

Dallas also hopes for the return to work of La'el Collins, the right tackle. 

And maybe later in the week, another boost, from right tackle La’el Collins, He left Sunday’s loss to the Packers with what was termed an MCL sprain but does plan on trying to play this week.

Another potential big boost figures to come from 1-tech defensive tackle Antwaun Woods, who has been missing with a knee injury. Woods attempted to persuade the medical staff to allow him to play in what would be a 34-24 loss to Green Bay last week - and he even participated in last Friday's practice at some level. But the Cowboys believe the rest will have been most beneficial ... and he will be monitored today.

And a new defensive name to watch, as during the open-media portion of the workout, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch was not present; multiple reports have Vander Esch being sent home from The Star today due to illness.