Report: Cowboys OL Tyler Smith tore plantar fascia vs. Lions, why it's 'actually good'

Following the Dallas Cowboys‘ 20-19 victory over the Detroit Lions, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that starting left guard Tyler Smith fully tore the plantar fascia in his foot. Though it’s a severe injury, Rapoport shared that it’s “actually good.”

“Cowboys standout G Tyler Smith finally completely tore the plantar fascia in his foot last night, sources say, which sounds bad — but is actually good(!),” Rapoport tweeted on Sunday. “His status this week is TBD, but he’ll be fine long-term. This can provide immediate relief for a player.”

With the initial injury to his plantar fascia, Smith was likely playing in a great deal of pain. Now, with the tissue completely torn, the former first-round pick can begin to heal. What that means for his status in Week 18 and beyond, however, is still to be determined. The Cowboys close the regular season with a final road game against the Washington Commanders.

Smith limped off the field early in the third quarter after suffering the injury on a deep shot from Dak Prescott to Brandin Cooks. He previously missed the first two games of the season with a hamstring injury.

Tyler Smith questionable for Week 18

Dallas will look to get multiple players back for the final game of the regular season or they’ll sit them for an extra week of rest before the first round of the playoffs. Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins is one to watch for a Week 18 return. He missed the last three games with a high-ankle sprain. Rookie Mazi Smith has been stepping up in Hankins’ absence.

Running back Rico Dowdle could also make a return for Week 18. Rookie running back Deuce Vaughn played on Saturday in Dowdle’s place. He had two carries and a reception for 10 yards in the victory.

The Cowboys were able to start the best five on the offensive line on Saturday night despite veteran Tyron Smith’s back injury leading up to the game. Smith recovered in time to make the start alongside Tyler Smith, Tyler Biadasz, Zack Martin and Terence Steele, though the left guard’s foot injury caused them to make a change in the third quarter.

The young lineman is in his second season with Dallas after they snagged him in the first round out of Tulsa in the 2022 NFL Draft. Smith stepped up to start immediately after the left tackle went down in the preseason.