Dallas Cowboys Preseason: 4 Takeaways vs Colts
By Randy Gurzi
3. Jaylon Smith will take some time, but will be worth it
The biggest story for the Dallas Cowboys heading into their third game was the return of middle linebacker Jaylon Smith. The second-round pick was a gamble for Dallas as he suffered a terrible knee injury in January of 2016.
More from Dallas Cowboys
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Zack is back, good news for Dak and the Cowboys
- Dallas Cowboys: Are Dak’s interceptions cause for concern?
- Cowboys: Micah Parsons will be even more impactful in 2023
- 2023 NFL Season: It’s now or never for the Dallas Cowboys
Once considered a top-ten pick, Smith’s stock dropped when it was learned that he had some nerve damage in his knee after surgery to repair the torn muscles. The Cowboys felt they knew what they could expect as their team doctor performed the surgery — although they also knew he would be a redshirt in his rookie season.
All offseason the discussion has been about how the nerves are firing again, and on Saturday he took his biggest step yet in his return — he suited up for a game. He wound up with just one tackle, which was a solid play to force a punt out of Indy.
He missed some plays too as Smith showed his sensational speed off to get into the backfield on a couple running plays, but couldn’t make the cut needed to stuff the runner. In time he may be able to take better angles and should cut like he used to as well. He’s not there yet, but he’s finally playing and that’s huge by itself.