Which Cowboys offensive tackle will play the most games this year is a mystery

As much as fans hoped it wouldn’t be so in 2021, there are already issues cropping up along the offensive line for the Dallas Cowboys. It’s not a repeat of the 2020 horror shows just yet, but heading into Week 1 of the 2021 season, there is already a problem. Starting right tackle La’el Collins is suffering stingers and has been held out of practice. His status is unknown for Thursday's game.

That brings us to our question: Which Cowboys offensive tackle will play the most games this year?

The candidates.

Tyron Smith

Reason for: Smith had offseason surgery for his recurring neck problems and says he feels the best he has in a long time, and even claims his back is better after the surgery.

“It’s been a while since I’ve felt this good,” Smith said after Thursday’s practice. “I don’t know if you guys saw, but I usually have the huge Cowboy neck roll on. I finally took that off. The neck’s feeling normal now.”

Reason against: Smith is aging, and he hasn't played a full season since 2015. He missed all but two games last year and injuries just seem to find him recently.

La’el Collins

Reason for: He is young and his hip problems from a year ago are seemingly behind him. He has the talent and will be in the lineup if heathy.

Reason against: Injury issues are already cropping up.

“LC is dealing with a neck issue right now,” coach Mike McCarthy said Friday, via David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. “We’re in a holding pattern. He will not practice today.”

Ty Nsekhe

Reason for: He seems to be in the lead as the swing tackle and Collins and Smith have histories with injury, possibly opening up the way for Nsekhe.

“Ty, obviously with where he is in his career, I’ve thought he’s done a good job with us throughout camp. I think he’s going to get — I don’t know about better — but more and more comfortable with what we’re asking him to do. He’s a very solid camp.” — Mike McCarthy

Reason against: He is a backup so he must wait for an opportunity, and despite what coach McCarthy might say, Nsekhe did not look good in preseason games.

Terence Steele

Reason for: He got invaluable starting experience in 2020 and he really improved as the season went on. Coach McCarthy has mentioned him as a possible swing tackle.

“We’ll work with both Ty and Terence. We’ll be ready to go with both those guys,” McCarthy said.

Reason against: He is also a backup like Nsekhe so he must wait for an opportunity, and he has to beat out Nsekhe for the swing tackle position.

So, if you had to go to Vegas and put your money down on which Cowboys offensive tackle will play the most games this year, who would you put your money on?