Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith returns to practice ahead of Week 5 game against 49ers

The Dallas Cowboys had almost the entire 53-man roster available to practice on Thursday heading into the Week 5 rivalry matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. With left tackle Tyron Smith returning to pads, the only member of the 53-man to not suit up for practice on Thursday was tight end Peyton Hendershot who is dealing with an ankle injury.

Right guard Zack Martin was also in pads despite exiting the win over the Patriots early last Sunday. He and Smith are joining the rehab group before practicing in a limited fashion, according to Mike McCarthy.

Tyron Smith has missed the past two games for Dallas as he recovers from a minor knee injury. With him out, the Cowboys haven’t been able to start the best five on the field through the first four weeks. First, it was left guard Tyler Smith out. Then center Tyler Biadasz missed time, along with Smith.

Now, the Cowboys could start Smith, Smith, Biadasz, Martin and Terence Steele against the 49ers.

Despite practicing in limited fashion on Thursday, the veteran left tackle’s status for Sunday night is still up in the air. Two weeks ago, Smith was active and dressed on gameday but ultimately, he didn’t play. The Cowboys lost that game to the Cardinals.

The offensive line is constantly plagued by injuries, which is why the Cowboys staff focuses on flexing the linemen at different positions. Chuma Edoga, who’s filled in for Tyron Smith at left tackle over the past two weeks, could also move to guard if necessary. In the last seven seasons, Smith has missed at least three or more games each year.

Cowboys restructured Smith’s contract this offseason

The Cowboys worked out a contract restructure this offseason for Smith that gave the 12th-year veteran more security.

He agreed to a very team-friendly deal that was laden with incentives. Originally, the former All-Pro left tackle had a $17.6 million cap hit coming for the 2023 season for his $13.6 million salary. Now, Smith has the opportunity to make even more money – but only if he plays a lot.

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Smith agreed to a $3 million signing bonus and a $3 million base salary that the team fully guaranteed. He could get up to $9 million more via playing time incentives and $2 million additionally as a playoff incentive. The contract restructuring clears $9.6 million in cap space for Dallas in 2023.

The former first-round draft pick out of USC signed an eight-year contract extension worth $97.6 million in 2015. He will be an unrestricted free agent ahead of the 2024 season.