Dallas Cowboys first round draft pick Tyler Smith, center, is one of three rookie competing for starting jobs. (Amanda McCoy/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
DALLAS - The Cowboys’ first-round draft pick is able to practice again as he gets ready to potentially replace an All-Pro.
Tyler Smith missed practice last week because of a sprained ankle.
The team has not officially said if he’ll replace injured starter Tyron Smith at left tackle. But Dallas Cowboys Vice President Stephen Jones strongly hinted at it.
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Jones said the team will only look at internal candidates for that position.
"We really think his long-term future in the NFL is left tackle. That’s why we drafted him in the first round to ultimately be our future left tackle," he said.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 10: Tyron Smith #77 of the Dallas Cowboys looks toward the field during the national anthem against the New York Giants prior to an NFL game at AT&T Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper …
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Tyron Smith has started each of the last nine seasons at left tackle. But he missed a significant amount of time with injuries in 2020 and 2021.
He is not expected to play until at least December as he recovers from a torn hamstring.