The Dallas Cowboys are heading into a crucial Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, but their offensive line continues to be the center of concern. Injuries have piled up early in the season, leaving young left guard Tyler Smith and his teammates facing constant adjustments. On Thursday, Smith spoke candidly about the challenges, how the group is preparing for the Packers’ front, and why Micah Parsons remains one of the team’s biggest assets in practice.
Battling Through Injuries
The Cowboys entered the season confident in their offensive line depth, but injuries have tested that belief. Left tackle Tyron Smith has been dealing with lingering knee issues, Zack Martin is playing through a nagging ankle, and center Tyler Biadasz has missed practice time. These absences have forced constant lineup shuffling, with Tyler Smith often asked to take on added responsibilities as the stabilizing presence.
“You don’t want to see guys go down, but it’s part of the game,” Smith said. “For us, the mindset has been the next-man-up mentality. Whoever steps in has to be ready to play at a high level because that’s the standard in Dallas.”
Smith emphasized that communication has been the biggest key, particularly with so many moving pieces. “We spend extra time in meetings making sure we’re on the same page. If we trust each other and stay locked into the details, we’ll be fine.”
Preparing for the Packers’ Front
The Packers’ defense is off to a strong start in 2025, ranking among the league’s top units in sacks and pressures. Led by Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark, Green Bay thrives on disrupting timing at the line of scrimmage. For Dallas, keeping Dak Prescott upright will be critical, especially with star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Smith acknowledged the challenge: “They’re a physical group up front. Gary can wreck a game, and Clark is one of the toughest interior guys in the league. We have to be disciplined with our technique and not let them dictate the tempo.”
The Cowboys have leaned on their run game to ease the burden on Prescott, and Smith believes that balance will be key again on Sunday. “When we run the ball effectively, everything else opens up. That’s how we keep defenses honest.”
Micah Parsons: The Ultimate Test in Practice
One advantage for Dallas is that every day in practice, Smith and his teammates face arguably the best pass rusher in football: Micah Parsons. The All-Pro linebacker continues to dominate, and Smith credits him with preparing the offensive line for elite competition.
“Going against Micah makes us better,” Smith said. “He’s so fast, so explosive, and so versatile. If you can hold up against him in practice, you feel confident facing anybody on Sundays.”
Parsons has been vocal this week about setting the tone against Green Bay, and Smith echoed that energy. “Micah brings an intensity that’s contagious. When you see how hard he works, it makes you raise your own level.”
Keeping the Focus
Despite the setbacks, Smith remains confident that the Cowboys’ offensive line can hold its own. “Injuries are tough, but no one is going to feel sorry for us,” he said. “We just have to keep grinding, keep trusting each other, and execute.”
The Packers’ defense will test every bit of that resolve, but Smith’s steady mindset reflects the Cowboys’ approach. With Lamb sidelined and the offensive line banged up, Dallas will need its young guard to anchor the unit against one of the NFC’s top opponents.
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