Cowboys busy shaping their offensive line heading into preseason

FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys They are still in the process of accommodating their offensive line according to the needs and the personnel they have or believe they will have in the preseason.

Head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged that he fears starting right tackle, Terence Steele, was not available to open spring training camp because he was still rehabbing from the knee injury he sustained last year. The starting left guard in 2022, Connor McGovernleft in free agency to sign with the Buffalo Bills and the Cowboys are still analyzing whether the second-year player, Tyler Smithwill fill that position or continue at left tackle, where he earned his All-Rookie Team nomination last season.

“There are still a lot of situations and things to consider,” McCarthy said at a news conference, before beginning the first practice session of the mandatory full-team minicamp.

Among the coaching staff’s considerations is the availability of Smith, who with recurring injuries has only allowed him to play in 17 games over the past three seasons. In 2022, he was injured in practice in the final week of spring training and the Cowboys had to emergency move then-rookie Tyler Smith to fill that position.

Tyron Smith He only played the last four games of 2022, but at right tackle to replace Steele and prevent the team from having to move the rookie again.

“Tyron is fine and fully healthy. That gives us more options in all aspects. Another advantage is that we will be complete in the preseason camp, except, perhaps, Terence ”, McCarthy clarified.

In Tuesday’s practice, the starting offensive line consisted of Tyler Biadasz at center, on the left side Tyron Smith at guard and Tyron Smith at tackle. Tyron had worked until last week in the same position, but on the opposite side. From the right side of the formation, the guard was Josh Ball instead of Zack Martinwho was in training, but did not participate, and the tackle was second-year lineman Matt Waleztzko.

“Sure. The coaches are looking at their top five line players. The advantage is that we have depth and can play multiple positions,” said Tyler Smith. “For me, it’s just about helping the team, even if every week I have to adjust to a different position and game. I am a professional and this is my job”.

Vizcaino looks, but…

The field goal kicker, Tristan Vizcainohad his best workout this offseason finishing perfect on eight field goal attempts, including the final 55-yarder, albeit with no defensive players to pressure him.

Despite Vizcaino’s efficiency, the Cowboys still acknowledge they are looking at position options heading into spring training camp.

The team’s owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, even jokingly offered the job to a boxer.

“Jerry told me that maybe he had a job for me as a kicker,” said Errol Spence Jr., the reigning welterweight world champion who was visiting the Cowboys facility.

brief

The Mexican Isaac Alarcon he continues with his work as a defensive tackle and the coaches assure that his progress is exponential.

the cornerback Trevon Diggs He trained for the first time this offseason after taking a voluntary practice leave.

the cornerback Stephon Gilmore he also practiced after taking a leave of absence last week from voluntary internships due to personal matters.

defensive linemen DeMarcus Lawrence and Dante Fowler trained without limitations. Guard Zack Martin said he hasn’t practiced this offseason dealing with muscle soreness, but said it won’t keep him from being ready when spring training begins.

The corridor Tony Pollardtackle Terence Steele and cornerbacks Jourdan Lewis and Nashon Wright also did not train due to being in injury rehab.