Cowboys' Tyron Smith 'feels good' going into Week 8 vs. Vikings after recent concern on neck, ankle

The seven-time Pro Bowl tackle exits the bye week feeling great physically

There was a bit of a scare heading into the Week 6 battle with the New England Patriots, when the Dallas Cowboys sent perennial All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith for an MRI on his neck. The test was deemed precautionary at the time, but considering Smith missed 14 games in 2020 after undergoing surgery to finally repair ongoing issues with his neck (i.e., stingers), the Cowboys admittedly wanted to make sure all was still well with him. The results of the MRI put those concerns to bed and Smith went on to start and play in 100% of the team's offensive snaps in the overtime win at Gillette Stadium.

The latter point is made that much more impressive by the fact he was forced into the locker room between series at one point in the second half, after running back Tony Pollard rolled up onto the back of his ankle, but Smith returned for the next series. After the game, the seven-time Pro Bowler made it clear his ankle is perfectly fine.

"I just needed to get re-taped and back on the field, and help my teammates," he told media. 

And as far as how his neck felt after taking a full workload only days after being limited in practice?

"I feel great right now, especially after the win," he added. "I do feel good."

The well-timed bye week can only help ensure he feels that much better as he readies to help keep the Minnesota Vikings away from Dak Prescott, who is expected to start on Oct. 31 after suffering a calf strain on the game-winning throw against the Patriots. It's also key to note Smith did not wear his signature neck roll in New England -- a solid sign that he felt fine going into the game and not only coming out of it. When asked about the overall status of Smith, who hasn't missed a single snap through the first six games of the 2021 season, team exec Stephen Jones labeled him as having a clean bill of health going forward.

"He was outstanding," Jones told 105.3FM the Fan of Smith's performance against the Patriots. "He had no issues in the game, no setbacks, and feels better than he's felt in years in terms of how he feels physically. And, of course, as we all see, when he's feeling good, he's the best in the business in our mind and playing at a real high level."

Smith has allowed only one sack and three hurries on Prescott this season, in 435 offensive snaps, proving Jones' point. The 30-year-old appears back in prime form, and the Cowboys believe his train will remain on the tracks going forward.