2 min read • July 06, 2022
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All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith has had difficulty staying on the field for the Dallas Cowboys these past two seasons. Lingering neck and ankle injuries limited the 31-year-old to 14 games appearances.
As Smith heads into his 12th season in the league, his cervical neck strain concerns our panel of Pro Football Docs. Therefore, the Docs give Smith a SIC Score of 88.
After playing all 15 or 16 games in his first five seasons, Smith has missed multiple games in his next five consecutive. Those injuries consisted of MCL sprains, back issues, groin strains and high ankle sprains.
The most serious of Smith’s injuries was the neck strain that he suffered during the 2018 season. Two years later, he continued to deal with flare-ups from the neck strain as the nerve was easily irritated. That same season the Pro Bowl left tackle said he underwent surgery to repair the neck issue that plagued him over his NFL career.
While his neck injury was said to no longer be an issue, Smith missed six games this past year because of a left leg injury and right ankle bone spurs.
The injuries, however, did not greatly impact Smith’s productivity when on the field. Smith in just 11 games played posted a 91.9 Pro Football Focus grade, the highest of his career.
“There’s no question he’s tough,” Dr. David Chao said. “The biggest worry for him is not the MCL, he knows how to play through. “It’s the uncertainty of the neck issue and cervical strain.”
It seems Smith’s body is wearing down, according to our Pro Football Docs. They worry there is a clear pattern of injuries.
Most recently, the tackle who has been named to the Hall of Fame All-2010s team missed OTAs with low back tightness. Before he returned to practice on June 2, rookie Tyler Smith out of Tulsa, who is poised to be Smith’s eventual replacement, impressed during Smith’s absence.
Smith said last off season he will play “until the wheels fall off,” which may happen sooner than later as he constantly battles injuries.
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