Clarence Hill: Have the Dallas Cowboys seen the last of Tyron Smith?

Vice president Stephen Jones said the Dallas Cowboys hope to add to the offensive line with a free agent or waiver wire claim in the coming days with final cuts set for Tuesday.

He also said the plan remains for an “in-house” candidate to start left tackle in place of the Tyron Smith, who is out until possibly December after undergoing surgery to repair an avulsion fracture in his left knee.

Jones said the Cowboys feel good about first-round pick Tyler Smith filling that role, starting with Sept. 11 season opener against Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“That’s why we drafted him in the first round,” Jones said on 105.3 the Fan Monday. “To ultimately be our future left tackle. Feel good about where that is.”

Even better news is Jones said Tyler Smith got “the green light” to return to practice Monday after being sidelined last week with an sprained ankle.

“He’s ready to go,” Jones said.

Although more experienced depth will be sought, Jones said the Cowboys also feel good about the progress of the other tackle options on the roster, rookie fifth-round pick Matt Walelzko and second-year player Josh Ball.

There is no question that Tyler Smith is their best in-house option.

While he spent the bulk of training camp competing with Connor McGovern for the starting spot at left guard, Tyler Smith made 21 starts at left tackle in college at Tulsa the past two seasons and has the ideal size, strength and athleticism to anchor the position for years to come.

He still needs refinement in his techniques and hand placement. It will be trial by fire until Tyron Smith returns.

If he returns.

The Cowboys want the eight-time Pro Bowler to come back.

Jones said the team will keep him on the active roster on Tuesday and then move him to injured reserve/designated to return on Wednesday, along with receiver James Washington (fractured foot) and linebacker Damone Clark (neck).

If Smith return, the question is how many games can the Cowboys count on him to play?

He has not played a full season since 2015, missing at least three games from 2016-2021 and 31 over the last six seasons.

Smith has missed 20 games over the past two seasons compared to just 13 starts.

He underwent neck surgery after playing in just two games 2020 and now is recovering from an avulsion fracture, which required surgery because the hamstring tendon that sits at the back of the knee was pulled off the bone.