:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68862265/usa_today_10106984.0.jpg)
It has been a very long time since we saw Tyron Smith and La’el Collins both start at tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. In fact, current head coach Mike McCarthy has never gotten to make the ceremonial run out of the AT&T Stadium tunnel with the pair the way that Jason Garrett did for so long. This is the case because La’el Collins missed all of last season and Tyron Smith missed a majority of it. 2020 was a disaster as far as tackles went for the Cowboys.
While we are still not even in March there is a sense of unease surrounding both players this offseason. Smith has battled injuries for a long time and some rumors apparently popped up about Collins retiring (they were debunked by his agent).
Tackle is a position of need for the Cowboys and could be where they choose to spend the 10th overall pick. But, it seems that things are progressing in the right direction with their current starters, and that is very good to see.
Tyron Smith has been “a regular in the gym” and La’el Collins is working out with his position coach
We should be cautious when it comes to getting excited about players working out, but nevertheless it is nice to hear that the Cowboys tackles are being active. According to NFL Network’s Jane Slater the Cowboys have both of their tackles getting right early on in the offseason.
Two other notes I’ll address on @nflnetwork? Health of the offensive line.
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) February 23, 2021
I’m told LT Tyron Smith has been a regular in the gym and has been successful in his rehab. RT La’el Collins is already working out with offseason position coach @BigDuke50 #Cowboys
One more thing to add I was told the tone of the conversations feels more productive this year so there is that. https://t.co/9ItTMqnlm4
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) February 23, 2021
Slater also added that while the Cowboys still have a long-term deal in mind for Dak Prescott that there is nothing meaningful going on with negotiations, but that “the tone of conversations feels more productive this year” which is also a good sign.
The offseason typically brings with it cheery news as far as the front office is concerned. We haven’t heard from the team’s front office in so long as it’s been a while since they have been behind a microphone. Normally we would get to hear from them soon by way of the NFL Combine, but with it not happening this year we will have to continue waiting to hear a member of the Jones regime speak.
Do you buy that this optimism is worth believing in? Or are you hesitant?