After a down season for Jaylon Smith, the Dallas Cowboys linebacker is hopeful his surgery will help.
In the NFL offseason, it’s common players to rehabilitate their bodies and prepare for the future. For Dallas Cowboys‘ linebacker Jaylon Smith, he’ll be in extensive rest for the foreseeable future.
Smith underwent surgery on Thursday to repair damage in his left wrist. He is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for OTAs this upcoming spring.
Smith’s season was met with mixed reviews from the critics. The fifth-year linebacker played in all 16 games, finishing with a team-high in tackles of 161. Smith also tallied 1.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception for the 6-10 franchise.
This marks the second Cowboys player to undergo surgery this offseason. Wide receiver Amari Cooper underwent a minor ankle operation following the end of the regular season.
Smith and the defense will need an upgrade
Dallas is hoping for better results in 2021. The team will be bringing back head coach Mike McCarthy after a down season and is expected to have Dak Prescott on the roster once again. The team announced the firing of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and replaced him with former Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn.
Quinn might not be a name most fans wanted after his implosion the last few seasons with Atlanta. As a defensive mind, the former Seahawks coordinator helped the team create the “Legion of Boom” defense with players such as Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor and Bobby Wagner.
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is hoping for a similar success story down in the Lone Star State for next season.
Under Nolan, Dallas allowed 29.6 points per game, ranking as the fifth-highest last season. The Cowboys also gave up 158.8 rushing yards per game, second-most among active defenses.
Smith being healthy for the start of the 2021 campaign is vital for the Cowboys’ success.