Ahead of another regular season matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, tackle Tyron Smith has been ruled out due to an injury.
Smith hurt his neck during individual work Thursday and missed multiple practices this week. The Cowboys’ starting left tackle was initially listed as questionable for the team’s home opener Sunday.
The Cowboys are already without starting right tackle La’el Collins, who opened the season on the injured list. No Smith up front puts the offensive line in a bind.
Terence Steele, an undrafted rookie free agent from Texas Tech, stepped in for Collins in the opener and generally held up well until a few protection issues in the fourth quarter of the 20-17 loss.
Brandon Knight, an undrafted free agent out of Indiana last season, is Dallas’ other replacement option with Smith unable to go.
Cowboys didn’t bury lede. Their offensive tackles were first starters introduced pregame. Undrafted rookie Terence Steele and second-year Brandon Knight both making second career NFL start. Knight went undrafted in 2019.
Veteran Alex Light was signed off the Arizona practice squad earlier this week and didn’t clear COVID-19 protocol to practice until Thursday. He was also listed as inactive against Atlanta.
Smith missed a regular season game against Atlanta in November 2017 with a groin injury. Chaz Green took his place.
Green gave up five sacks to Adrian Clayborn. When the coaching staff mercifully pulled Green late in the game, Clayborn beat veteran Byron Bell for a sixth sack for good measure.