Tyler Smith suffered hamstring strain according to MRI, per report

There has been an injury update for the Dallas Cowboys starting left guard Tyler Smith. According to local Dallas reporter David Moore, Dallas’ first round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft has been diagnosed with a hamstring strain.

“MRI confirms that LG Tyler Smith suffered a hamstring strain, a person w/ knowledge of the injury said. Owner Jerry Jones said earlier Tuesday he was confident that Smith would be ready to go for Sunday’s regular season opener,” said Moore via X (formerly Twitter).

Smith left the Cowboys practice early on Monday and was initially diagnosed with a minor hamstring injury. After Tuesday’s MRI, although the injury is not season-threatening, a hamstring injury will likely require some time off or rest in order for the Cowboys guard to recover.

Unfortunately, time is not on the side of Dallas as they are set to open the season in a Sunday night primetime matchup against NFC East rival, the New York Giants. New York has a young, talented, up-and-coming defensive front, which is sure to cause problems for opposing offenses this season.

If Dallas wants to avoid finding themselves among those getting bullied by the Giants defensive line on Sunday night, they will need Smith’s services. Fortunately, for Cowboys fans, it does not appear as if owner Jerry Jones is too worried about the injury as he expects his starting left guard to suit up and play against their division rival.

If Smith is unable to suit up and play Sunday night, look for Asim Richards to possibly take his place in the starting lineup, according to the Cowboys unofficial depth chart for the Week 1.

The depth chart has undergone several variations since the start of the preseason, but there are now fewer names and some key changes. Here are some of the key moves on the unofficial depth chart, released on Tuesday, ahead of kickoff versus the Giants on Sunday night.

Notably, the third quarterback on the roster is no longer Will Grier. The Cowboys traded the 49ers for Trey Lance, and he is now listed behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush. Also, recent addition Noah Igbinogene is featured second behind Trevon Diggs at cornerback following the swap with Miami for Kelvin Joseph.

Also important for Dallas’s first game, although Donovan Wilson is listed as the starter on the depth chart, he hasn’t returned to full participation at practice yet this week after suffering a hamstring injury.

On3’s Nikki Chavanelle contributed to this article