The Dallas Cowboys have little time to recover from Sunday’s dramatic win over the Houston Texans, but Tuesday’s injury report provided some encouraging news heading into Thursday night’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Dallas remains without several players at practice, but there were no changes to the team’s injury designations from Monday. More importantly, several key players continued to practice fully, while All-Pro guard Tyler Smith remains on track to potentially make his season debut.
Tyler Smith remains limited with return still possible
The biggest storyline continues to be Tyler Smith.
The Cowboys opened Smith’s 21-day practice window Monday, giving him an opportunity to return from the thumb injury that required surgery before the season. He remained a limited participant Tuesday, keeping the possibility of playing Thursday alive.
Smith has already said he believes a return against Tampa Bay is possible, but Dallas doesn’t have to rush him back. The Cowboys will have extra rest following Thursday’s game before traveling to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 6.
Still, getting Smith back would provide a major boost to an offensive line that could use reinforcements. Dallas struggled to consistently establish its running game against Houston, and Smith’s return could help the Cowboys become more effective up front.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has also indicated that the decision will largely come down to Smith’s comfort level. If the veteran offensive lineman believes his thumb is ready to handle the demands of playing, Dallas could put him back into the lineup Thursday.
CeeDee Lamb and Joey Porter Jr. are trending in the right direction
There was also positive news surrounding two players who appeared on Monday’s injury report after Sunday’s win.
CeeDee Lamb, who exploded for 17 catches, 189 yards and the game-winning touchdown against Houston, remained a full participant Tuesday despite being listed with a thigh injury. Joey Porter Jr. also remained a full participant after being listed with an ankle issue.
That’s particularly important for Porter after his impressive Cowboys debut.
The newly acquired cornerback played 24 snaps against Houston and did not allow a catch, giving Dallas another potential weapon in its secondary. Having him available against Tampa Bay would give the Cowboys an opportunity to expand his role as he becomes more comfortable with the defense.
Dallas also received full participation from Malik Hooker, Alijah Clark, Tyler Goodson and James Houston.
Cowboys still have three players missing practice
Not everything was positive.
Cornerback Cobie Durant, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and offensive tackle Drew Shelton all remained out of practice Tuesday with hamstring injuries. All three missed Monday as well, making their availability for Thursday increasingly difficult.
Overshown’s absence would be especially notable for a Cowboys defense that has already dealt with injuries throughout the season. Durant’s continued absence also leaves Dallas with less depth at cornerback, although Porter’s return helps offset some of that concern.
Overall, however, Dallas appears to be entering Thursday’s game in better health than it was earlier in the season.
The biggest question remains Smith. If the All-Pro guard can convince the coaching staff that he’s ready, the Cowboys could get one of their most important players back at exactly the right time.
