The Cowboys didn’t provide specifics about Smith’s status but said he will be reevaluated on Saturday morning. After his evaluation, the team also said they would update his status for Saturday’s game. It doesn’t sound like there’s too much to worry about here for Smith, who totaled 13 tackles and three TFLs for the team as a rookie last season.

Smith is reportedly dealing with tendinitis and discomfort in his knee and sat out the team’s practice on Tuesday. The rookie first-rounder is expected to be an immediate contributor along the defensive front this season, but this string of knee issues will need to be resolved before he takes to the field.

The Cowboys signed their entire rookie class on Thursday ahead of rookie minicamp. Smith (6â??3/323) has the ideal frame for a nose tackle and his bench press number of 34 shows his underlying power and his commitment to being a weight room warrior. Before the 2022 season, he was ranked No. 1 on Bruce Feldmanâ??s Freaks List. While he is still very raw, Smith has a good sense of when to go low on offensive linemen, and when he needs to keep his head up to play the point of attack. His body leverage is rare, though his unrefined hand technique leaves much to be desired. With only two years of starting experience under his belt, he will probably improve his play leverage with additional reps. The lack of production at the college level probably has to do with being confined to the nose in Ann Arbor. However, 85 tackles in his two starting years show the potential to make an impact in every game. If he can learn how to pass rush, Smith can be a force for Dan Quinn's defense.