Jason Garrett: Tyron Smith not expected to practice with stinger issue; game-time decision

Let’s check in with head coach Jason Garrett as final preparations are made for the Cowboys game against the Saints. (All Garrett answers are paraphrased and not actual quotes.)

Tyron Smith isn’t expected to practice on Tuesday

Jason Garrett specified that the stinger is the issue for Tyron Smith, and he did note that his status would be taken all the way up to game time. He also said that Tyron has seen doctors who the Cowboys have confidence in but would not specify whether or not it was a specialist of sorts.

Cam Fleming was signed as a swing tackle for these types of moments

Coach noted they signed a “good football player” when they brought on Fleming. They wanted to add him to the competition and noted he had to play both left and right tackle as the swing tackle, just like the top interior lineman sub has to do at guard.

Different guys have played Taysom Hill during the scout team this week

Coach noted that Hill is a weapon at quarterback in the Wildcat, he can pass and throw, and that the Saints have used him at other positions. Called him a “dangerous” player.

Is the Saints run defense really good or is it that teams have just had to pass a lot because they were behind?

The volume stats say the Saints run defense is good but teams end up throwing a lot to catch up. Coach sided with the idea that the Saints run defense is good, he noted they have invested in their defensive linemen and they play well as a unit. He also complimented their active linebackers and a scheme that allows guys to be near the line of scrimmage.

Red zone opportunities are really important

Coach noted you want as many RZ opportunities as possible and that the goal is to score in 100% of them. Of course, he said scoring touchdowns is better than field goals, but you need to come away with points either way.

Xavier Su’a-Filo was able to practice on Tuesday

XSF (kind of a cool acronym) is doing well.