Tyron Smith’s availability for Cowboys vs. KC Chiefs

The Dallas Cowboys are saying all the right things and staying as positive as they can in any public-facing comments when it comes to Tyron Smith. Perhaps that’s because they’re trying to channel any good wishes and positive thoughts to help manifest the team’s offensive tackle back into the starting lineup.

The Cowboys have been without Smith for the last two games due to bone spurs in his ankle, and it’s still uncertain whether or not he will play in Week 11 as well. As the Cowboys visit the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, they’re going to need to be as tough in the trenches as they can to help keep pace with the Chiefs offense and to stave off a pass rush that’s gotten much more disruptive for K.C. in the last few weeks.

Smith has enjoyed a long, exceptional career in the NFL since the Cowboys selected him in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft at No. 9 overall. With 140 games started and 7 Pro Bowl appearances, his career has the makings of a potential Hall of Fame bid, but it’s sad that his dominant run ended just last year when he was injured and missed all but two games due to a neck problem.

The team wasn’t even sure that Smith would be able to practice just yet heading into Week 11, but he was able to do so in a limited capacity on Wednesday. It’s only a first step but that’s the most important one is that he’s back there in practice. From here, fans will want to watch for how he trends. If he remains limited on Friday, then he’ll likely receive a negative designation (“questionable” or “out”).

If Smith is unable to go on Sunday afternoon, the Cowboys have a couple of options. In weeks past, they’ve gone with former Bills lineman Ty Nsekhe along with vet La’el Collins, and both can get the job done.