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The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t the only NFC East team dealing with a plethora of offensive line injuries.
After previously losing starting right tackle La’el Collins for the year, starting left tackle Tyron Smith is now about to join him on injured reserve. Smith is reportedly set to have season-ending neck surgery.
Smith played 100% of the Cowboys’ snaps in Week 1 before having to miss the next two games. He played 100% of the snaps again in Week 4, which will be his final game this year.
The Cowboys have used 2019 undrafted rookie free agent Brandon Knight at left tackle when Smith hasn’t been able to play. He hasn’t exactly been great:
Tyron Smith will undergo neck surgery and is out for the season, per HC Mike McCarthy
— PFF (@PFF) October 9, 2020
Brandon Knight, Tyron Smith’s replacement at left tackle, ranks 43rd among all at his position in PFF grade (64.6) through Week 4. pic.twitter.com/be8M7Z26nL
The Cowboys might eventually look to replace Knight with Cameron Fleming, who is eligible to return from injured reserve when healthy enough. Or perhaps they’ll have Fleming take over for 2020 undrafted rookie free agent Terence Steele at right tackle. Steele has struggled; he allowed Dak Prescott to get strip-sacked in the Cowboys’ Week 4 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Offensive line issues have hardly prevented the Cowboys from being able to score. Dallas ranks third in points per game so far this season. But struggles could be on the way with Smith and Collins now out for the year. Not to mention starting center Joe Looney set to miss a few weeks due to an MCL injury.
The Cowboys figure to be the biggest threat to the Eagles’ current division lead. Philly’s dominant defensive line could present some real issues for their rivals when these two teams meet in Week 8 and Week 16 this season.