FRISCO, Texas -- As the Dallas Cowboys get ready to play the New York Jets on Sunday, they are not sure if they will have either starting offensive tackle in the lineup.
Right tackle La'el Collins suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee in the Week 5 loss to the Green Bay Packers and it is possible he could be out through the Oct. 27 bye week, according to a source, although he has not been ruled out from playing this week.
"He's a tough guy, so we'll give him every chance as we go," coach Jason Garrett said.
Left tackle Tyron Smith did not play against the Packers because of a high ankle sprain suffered Sept. 29 against the New Orleans Saints, but he was able to work out some before the Green Bay game. Garrett was not sure what Smith would be able to do during the week of practice, calling him day-to-day.
If the Cowboys do not have either tackle, then they would go with Cameron Fleming at left tackle and undrafted rookie Brandon Knight at right tackle, which is how they ended the game against the Packers. The coaches contemplated using left guard Connor Williams at tackle in case of injury, but went with Knight.
If either Smith or Collins can play, then Fleming would take the opposite tackle spot as the starter
Fleming has started four games the last two seasons for an injured Smith but struggled at times against the Packers in pass protection.
"Cam battled. He fought," Garrett said. "Oftentimes with Cam, he's got a little bit of a unorthodox way of playing. We call it ugly production. He typically blocks his guy. But again in a game like that when you're dropping back a lot because you're behind, it's challenging on those guys outside."
Knight was inactive the first four games and made the roster as a guard, although he does have tackle experience.
"Thought he did a pretty good job for his first action in a situation where we were behind in the game, sort of a two-minute mode and you're throwing the ball time and time again," Garrett said. "I thought he hung in there pretty well."