Unfortunately, the Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads with one of their franchise’s greatest players. OT Tyron Smith.

Tearing his hamstring just before the start of the season wasn’t even the curtain call. The curtain has been screaming for a long time now.

Having not played a full season since QB Dak Prescott’s rookie year and only 17 games over the past three seasons. The equivalent of one regular season.

Oct 16, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys helmet on the bench against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

This goes back even before this season. His final game of last year against San Francisco, the signs were written all over the field. Getting stood up in pass protection as QB Dak Prescott ran for his life outside the pocket.

This year, after missing the first 13 games with injury, Tyron is forced to right tackle. A position he has had to re-learn on the fly. A position he is struggling at, despite HC Mike McCarthy’s support.

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The harsh reality is this. Tyron Smith is hurting the offensive line. At least at right tackle.

Whether the answer is benching him for Jason Peters, a position he doesn’t want to play but has at a slightly higher level. Splitting time at right tackle between the two as they did in Smith’s assuming the Cowboys don’t want to fully sit him.

Possibly moving him back to left tackle with Tyler Smith still at left guard. The return of C Tyler Biadasz does make this a possibility.

In any case, Smith can’t be a full-time starter anymore. His body isn’t allowing it. He doesn’t give the same power in the run game that he once did. Especially not compared to Terence Steele.

What the Dallas Cowboys decide to do regarding Tyron Smith this offseason is a matter for another time. If they want to make a playoff push, the coaching staff needs to adjust.