FRISCO — Tyler Smith appeared to be a placeholder at left tackle until veteran Jason Peters was up to speed and ready to move into the starting lineup. But the team’s No. 1 pick has gotten off to such a strong start that the coaching staff has decided to leave him outside and work Peters at left guard.
“I mean, it’s flattering,’’ said Smith, who credits Peters for help molding him in the short time they’ve been together. “But we’re not where we need to be yet.
“There’s a lot of season left. I’ve got to get better than I am. The future is bright, but we’re going to take it day by day.’’
Peters, who wasn’t signed until days before the start of the regular season, is expected to get more snaps at left guard this weekend behind Matt Farniok. Connor McGovern, the starter there to open the season, is about to be back in the mix as he works his way back from an ankle injury. The expectation is Peters will be the starter at left guard when the dust clears.
“Dude is a beast,’’ Elliott said. “He has all the physical attributes. He’s got the heart with it. He is going to be a helluva player.
“He already is pretty good.’’
The Cowboys drafted Smith with an eye toward him being the left tackle of the future. The future presented itself sooner than anticipated.
“I’m still willing to do whatever I can do to help this team,’’ Smith said. “If coach asks me to move, I’ll move. It’s not something I’m argumentative or adverse to.
“But I do take pride in everything I do. I come in the building every day and I work hard. Everybody around me works hard. Just plan on getting better.
“That’s my only focus.’’
Briefly
Quarterback Dak Prescott didn’t practice Thursday, but did some light throwing — very light — off to the side…Safety Jayron Kearse (knee) and tight end Dalton Schultz (knee) were limited in practice for the second consecutive day, but executive vice president Stephen Jones expressed optimism that there was a chance to the two could return to the field for Sunday’s game against Washington.
Catch David Moore on The Ticket (KTCK-AM 1310 and 96.7 FM) with the Musers at 9:35 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and The Hardline every Tuesday and Friday at 4:30 p.m. during Cowboys season.
Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.