Mike McCarthy updates Tyler Smith's availability for Week 18 after plantar fascia tear

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters on Thursday that Saturday is the crucial day to watch for Tyler Smith‘s availability this week. The left guard tore the plantar fascia in his foot during the game against the Lions and according to McCarthy, he’s “making progress.”

During his press conference on Thursday, the skipper informed the media that if Smith can return to practice by Saturday, he could play on Sunday. He sat out of practice on Wednesday, along with several veterans including Zack Martin and Tyron Smith. If the starting left guard is unable to go against the Commanders, Dallas will call on rookie T.J. Bass to step up.

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.

He 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.

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.

After a string of games against the Giants, Panthers and Commanders, during which the Cowboys OL gave up no sacks, they’ve since given up 17 over five games.

Tyler Smith still questionable for Week 18

Dallas will either bring 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. After the weekend, the Cowboys played the former Kansas State star on Injured Reserve with an ankle injury, which means Dowdle is likely full-go for Sunday.

Dallas made four new signings to the practice squad this week. First, the team brought back former right tackle La’el Collins and linebacker Damien Wilson. Then, they added rookie running back SaRodorick Thompson out of Texas Tech and LSU wide receiver Racey McMath. To make room, they released wide receivers Martavis Bryant and Tyron Johnson, as well as OL Adam Pankey and DT Willington Previlon.