Cowboys set timeline for Tyron Smith’s return

“You know, since he’s been out three or four weeks, we haven’t had that discussion,” executive vice president and director of player personnel Stephen Jones told 105.3FM at the Fan on Monday.

When that time comes, what will the offensive line rotation look like for Dallas?

After all, rookie first-round pick Tyler Smith has been playing well beyond his years at left tackle despite not getting any reps at the position in training camp, and Connor McGovern has stepped up his game in his first full-time year. holder in left guard.

“We’ve been really focused week-to-week and game-to-game, getting these guys to improve as a unit,” Jones added. “As that time approaches, I’m sure coach [Mike McCarthy] and Kellen [Moore], [offensive line coach] Joe Philbin and this group will discuss what gives us the best chance to win when Tyron comes back.”

That said, Jones dropped a pretty big hint that you probably won’t see the elder Smith swinging, given his resume when he’s healthy.

“He’s an All-Pro, Hall of Fame type of player and if you’re going to have your top five guys, I’m sure he’s one of them,” Jones said.

That leaves the door open for the younger Smith to be moved back inside to left guard, where he spent all of training camp last July, to create a Smith Bros. tandem. to the left of center Tyler Biadasz.

It remains to be seen, though, given how adamant McCarthy was in training camp about naming McGovern the starting LG over Tyler Smith, and then again, the former hasn’t played badly through the first eight games the Cowboys have now seen earning a 6-2 record in their Week 9 bye.

Of course, that was then, and this is now.

It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out, but one thing will soon be certain: Even with the loss of Matt Farniok and Matt Waletzko to injured reserve in just two weeks, the Cowboys could end up with an enviable amount of line depth offense when December arrives, just in time for the most critical part of the season.