The Dallas Cowboys were holding out hope that left tackle Tyron Smith would return to full strength at some point in the 2020 NFL season. Unfortunately, it appears their worst fears were confirmed regarding the neck injury he is dealing with.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has announced that Smith will miss the rest of the season as he prepares to undergo surgery on his neck, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo:
#Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy tells reporters Tyron Smith is out for the season. Will have surgery on his neck. Huge loss for Dallas.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 9, 2020
Losing Smith for the entire 2020 campaign undoubtedly deals a crushing blow to the protection for quarterback Dak Prescott. He had been dealing with the neck injury since after the season opener, which forced him to miss the next two games before making his return in Week 4. However, it appears the latest setback is enough to sideline him the rest of the year.
Smith has compiled a rather lengthy track record with injuries in recent years. Although he may be considered an elite talent as a pillar of this Cowboys' offensive line, his availability will be something for the front office to consider moving forward.
Dallas went to tackle Brandon Knight to fill the void for Smith in Weeks 2 and 3 before moving back to right tackle to replace undrafted rookie Terence Steele. They may opt to move Knight to tackle once again while Cameron Erving fills in opposite of him coming off injured reserve.
While losing both starting tackles is hardly ideal for any quarterback, the onus will fall on Prescott to get this group on track following a disappointing start to the season.
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