The Dallas Cowboys are stumbling their way into the playoffs and must avoid injuries at all costs. The offensive line has been the strength of the Dallas Cowboys team for numerous seasons. Regardless of the controversy or inconsistency that has plagued the rest of the offense, the titans in the trenches have been the pillars that have held Dallas’ roster together. To make the playoffs at this time in the season, a club must rely on its most trustworthy tools.
Cowboys’ Best Two Offensive Linemen Out on Wednesday
While Dallas has relied on their offensive line this season, the greatest members of that group have certainly been left tackle Tyrell Smith and right guard Zach Martin. Unfortunately for Dallas, their two top offensive linemen did not practice on Wednesday and are unlikely to play on Sunday against the overwhelming Miami Dolphins.
Smith has been part of the team since he was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, earning eight Pro Bowl appearances during his tenure. Martin, drafted by Dallas as the sixteenth pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, has secured first team All-Pro honors six times since. Losing these key players would significantly hinder Dallas this week. Although their running game hasn’t been consistent, the Dallas offensive line has enabled quarterback Dak Prescott to deliver impressive performances, positioning him as a strong contender for the Most Valuable Player award this season. Without these top-tier players, Prescott might have to rely more on his moderate agility to create plays, as the pocket protection may not be as solid as usual.
The timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse for Dallas, desperately maintaining their lead in the NFC East over the formidable Philadelphia Eagles. With their current reliance on tiebreakers to stay ahead of Philadelphia, Dallas can’t afford to lose any more games this season. The team is likely to start backup left tackle Chuma Edoga for Smith and undrafted rookie right guard T.J. Bass for Martin. Neither backup has had significant exposure in critical games this season. Bass will probably require extra support such as double teams and chips to shield their star quarterback from elite defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
Following the Miami game, Dallas will face the NFC powerhouse Detroit Lions and the struggling Washington Commanders to close out the season. Dallas will require all the assistance it can gather as they strive to hold off the Eagles and potentially surpass San Francisco for the number one seed in the NFC. Due to recent rule changes, only the number one seed will earn a first-round bye and gain an advantage in the 2023 NFL Playoffs.
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