Injury Update: Smith, Lawrence questionable vs Seahawks, Collins Week 4 already in danger

It appears it could still be multiple weeks until the Dallas Cowboys have their two top tackles back in action.

The Cowboys right tackle, La’el Collins, is eligible to return from the injured reserve following the Cowboys Week 3 matchup with the Seahawks, but, according to reports from Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News (via Blogging The Boys), the team isn’t counting on having Collins available for Week 4.

Collins emerged as one of the best tackles in the league last season, but found himself on the IR with a hip injury and conditioning issues before 2020 could even get underway.

Tyron Smith, the Cowboys left tackle, is questionable to play in Sunday’s upcoming game against Seattle. Smith missed the Cowboys home opener against Atlanta with a neck injury. Smith has battled similar injuries for years now, so the team is taking extra precautions with his situation.

Gelhken reported via Twitter that Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said both Collins and Smith are “making progress,” but that Smith’s ability to practice Saturday would reveal more about his game-time status.

If Smith is unable to play, Dallas will likely roll out the same tackle combination that started versus the Falcons; Brandon Knight at left tackle, and Terrence Steele at right tackle.

Steele, an undrafted rookie, has started both games on the right side of the line for the Cowboys this season and has struggled. He’s given up a sack, and seven QB pressures and been called for three penalties in the two weeks.

Knight played his first game of left tackle since high school in Week 2, according to the broadcast, but did a fine job filling in for the injured Smith. Through two weeks Knight’s 96 percent pass block win rate is tied for eighth best in the NFL, coincidentally tied with the player he’s replacing, Smith.

One game for Knight this year is obviously a small sample size, but the second-year tackle also made the most of his fill-in start at right tackle in 2019 when Collins missed a game.

If, however, Smith is able to suit and play against Seattle, Knight could replace Steele as the right tackle until Collins returns, which could now potentially be Week 5.

Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is also questionable for Sunday with a knee problem. Lawrence missed both Wednesday and Thursday’s practices, but was limited on Friday, thus making him questionable. Lawrence figured to be a crucial piece towards slowing down a scorching Seahawk offense.

Lawrence’s absence would mean a full workload for Cowboy newcomers Everson Griffen and Aldon Smith. Dorance Armstrong would be the next in line to receive Lawrence’s snaps, and rookie Bralee Anae’s snaps should increase from his three snaps in Week 2. Veteran Tyrone Crawford also possess the versatility to help out on the edge, despite playing defensive tackle as well this season.

Second-round rookie cornerback Trevon Diggs, a bright spot for the Dallas defense through two games, was listed on the injury report earlier in the week but his status is seemingly no longer in question; he’s ready to play.

Fellow corner Chidobe Awuzie has been already been ruled out for the Cowboys with a hamstring injury, and reports are that Awuzie will miss more than just this one week.

Smith and Lawrence’s status’ will be closely monitored as the Cowboys third game quickly approaches.

Seattle is coming into this highly anticipated contest less than 100 percent as well. Earlier this week Seattle placed defensive end Bruce Irvin, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, and defensive back Marquise Blair on the IR.

Defensive end Rasheem Green will also be out, and the status of two key Seahawks is still uncertain.

Starting defensive end and former Cowboy Benson Mayowa (groin), and starting defensive back Quinton Dunbar (knee), are both offically listed as questionable. Mayowa was limited in practice Friday while Dunbar did not participate.

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