Mike McCarthy gave updates on Johnathan Hankins and Tyler Smith as the Dallas Cowboys turned the page to their Week 18 matchup against the Washington Commanders.
What’s the Latest on Tyler Smith?
McCarthy said Smith was sore on Monday, and they will find out more come Wednesday.
The team typically has a walkthrough practice on Wednesdays as part of their game preparation for the week.
However, the head coach also said it was described to him that Smith “has a chance” to be available for Sunday’s game against the Commanders.
Smith was injured in the third quarter of Saturday’s game against the Detroit Lions.
Reports later confirmed that he completely tore the plantar fascia in his foot. McCarthy said he would agree with the assessment that a full tear is better than a partial tear with his knowledge of that injury from the past.
If Smith is unavailable, T.J. Bass would step in as the team’s left guard. It would be the third time Bass has played on the offensive line in the last three weeks because of injuries that have occurred over the marathon that is the NFL season.
What’s the Latest on Johnathan Hankins?
As for Hankins, he has been battling an ankle injury that occurred in Week 14 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Although there was never a timeline for when he was set to return, it has been a week-to-week decision.
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On Monday, McCarthy said the defensive tackle had a good workout and see how he feels from that on Tuesday.
“The goal is to start to work [Hankins] in on Wednesday is our hope,” said McCarthy.
Mazi Smith and Carl Davis have stepped up to dominate in the trenches in Hankins’ place. His absence was most notable, though, against the Buffalo Bills, when running back James Cook found 179 rushing yards.
However, Davis is now out of practice squad elevations for the season. As for Smith, he can continue to grow and learn the position even more as his rookie season approaches its conclusion.
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