The Cowboys have been hit with crippling injury news regarding star tackle Tyron Smith. The all pro tackle suffered a torn left hamstring in practice that will likely lead to him missing several months of the 2022 season. His absence may be a blow the Cowboys aren’t readily able handle. In 2021 the Cowboys finished 23rd in pass protection, with Smith gone it would be hard to fathom the Cowboys improving on this mark in the upcoming season. More importantly, Smith’s injury will greatly impact the running game. The Cowboys have stated on numerous occasions that the run game would be the focal point of the offense in 2022. Smith was the 7th best run blocking tackle in 2021, and was one of the best overall tackles in the league in both fazes of the game if you believe pff.

While backups like Collins and Alarcon have played fairly well in preseason they will have a hard time replicating the value Smith brings to the offensive line. With his season in doubt the Cowboys will have to struggle through most of the 2022 campaign without their future hall of famer.