As the Dallas Cowboys approach a critical NFC East matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles this week, it appears as though they'll do so without a key piece on offense.
Videos by FanBuzz
Jane Slater of the NFL Network reported on Thursday afternoon that the Cowboys will be without left tackle Tyron Smith due to a groin injury. If Smith is unable to go on Sunday, it will be the second consecutive game he'll have missed from this injury.
A person with knowledge of the situation tells me Cowboys LT Tyron Smith will not play Sunday (groin). Byron Bell will start instead.
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) November 16, 2017
Smith appears to have suffered the injury a couple of weeks ago in a win over the Kansas City Chiefs and has previously played through back tightness and a hip injury as well. The loss of Smith has proven to be a big blow to the Cowboys' talented offensive line. Chaz Green took over for Smith last week against the Atlanta Falcons and gave up four sacks. Byron Bell, who is expected to start in Smith can't go, gave up two sacks last week in place of Green.
Of course, the Cowboys will be without running back Ezekiel Elliott as he continues his six-game suspension handed down by the NFL. Without two key offensive players in Smith and Elliott this week, the Cowboys will need to find another way to remain competitive against one of the hottest teams in the NFL on Sunday.