Dallas Cowboys formally move LT Tyron Smith, WR James Washington to IR

The Dallas Cowboys have officially placed left tackle Tyron Smith and receiver James Washington on injured reserve, the team announced Wednesday. In a corresponding move, Dallas re-signed long snapper Jake McQuaide and veteran cornerback CJ Goodwin, both of whom were released Tuesday at the 53-man roster deadline.

Waiting to place both players on IR was merely a formality, as NFL rules state that injured players must be on the active roster for at least one day before reverting to injured reserve, if they want to bring them back at any point in the regular season.

Smith, an eight-time Pro Bowler, suffered an avulsion fracture in practice last week. The Cowboys are holding out hope that he can return for the final month of the season, but nothing is guaranteed due to the severity of the injury.

Washington spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers before signing with Dallas this offseason. He suffered a fractured right foot at the beginning of August, and is expected to miss the first four games, but has a chance to return in Week 5.

More on the injured Tyron Smith, James Washignton

Smith left the practice field last Wednesday after a non-contact incident. After initially ruling out ACL damage, NFL insiders reported Thursday that the injury is an avulsion fracture, which is a separation of the hamstring tendon from the bone behind the knee. Smith tore his left hamstring but it also came away from the bone.

The avulsion fracture requires surgery, which Smith could get as soon as today. He met with doctors Thursday but the timetable for his return doesn’t sound good.

Washington suffered his injury when cornerback Trevon Diggs landed on his foot while defending a pass. Following examination, it was revealed that Washington’s injury would force him to miss roughly two months and required surgery.

Washington is a native of Texas, coming back to play for his hometown team this offseason. He was a second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers and spent four years with the AFC club. There, he was able to catch 114 balls for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Dallas is scheduled to kick off the 2022 regular season at 7:20 p.m. CT on Sept. 11 against Tampa Bay.

On3’s Nikki Chavanelle and Austin Brezina contributed to this report.