FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys conclude week three of practice with several starters being ruled out of Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins: Tavon Austin, Tyrone Crawford, Michael Gallup, Luke Gifford, Antwaun Woods, and Xavier Woods.
The Cowboys talk a lot about the ‘next man up’ mentality. On Sunday, receiver Devin Smith fits the mold. The first-year Cowboy impressed throughout the offseason and proved he belongs against the Redskins in week two where he caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott. Smith met Josh Norman stride-for-stride and turned inside up field to create separation and the rest is history. The play shifted the momentum of the ballgame and opened up five-straight scoring drives for Dallas. Gallup had arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday following the victory over Washington to trim his meniscus, and Smith will be Dallas’ other starting wideout opposite Amari Cooper against Miami.
I spoke with Jason Witten this past week on Smith’s progression and he replied, “ I think the minute he got here, he was quiet and hard-working. You could see the inner confidence. He has had some injuries over the course of his career. When I first met him, I was like I see why he was a high pick. You know there are certain traits you look for in a receiver. The ability to kinda separate; ability to cut and get open, and he has that. He keeps his mouth shut and works hard. I am excited for him because it has not been an easy road. He defines what it means to take advantage of an opportunity. You have success, you get a bigger role and I think he is embracing this opportunity.”
The New York Jets selected Smith in the second round (pick 37) of the 2015 NFL Draft. His rookie season was brought to a premature end with a torn ACL. In 10 games, he amassed nine receptions, 115 receiving yards, and a touchdown prior to being placed on injured reserve. In November of 2016, Smith was activated off of PUP and played four games that season. He tallied just one reception for 20 yards. It was revealed in April of 2017 that Smith suffered another torn ACL and would miss the entire season. He was again placed on IR and waived by the Jets in July of 2018.
The Cowboys decided to take a risk on the injured-prone player and signed Smith to a reserve/future contract on January 18, 2019. No.15 has continued to defy odds and persevere through setbacks. He did not let his injuries define him and came out of it stronger than before. The 27-year-old was not even expected to make the Cowboys’ final 53-man roster and now he will be a core piece in Kellen Moore’s versatile offense on Sunday.
