OXNARD, CA — Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith returned to practice Monday after missing the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders due to an allergic reaction.
Smith was on the team bus, about to head to Los Angeles International Airport, when he began to feel unwell.
“Started having a reaction right away, kind of went to the medical staff right away, told them what was going on, told them I know the feeling,” she added. “I knew what was going on.”
Smith stated that he has previously seen similar reactions, the most recent occurring prior to the 2023 NFL scouting combine. While he claims to be conscious of his eating habits, the reaction was caused by something in some milk.
“I know the ropes when it comes to having an allergic reaction,” Smith admitted. “Don’t panic immediately away, especially if it involves your airwaves. [You] want to make sure you’re breathing and receiving the proper care.”
Smith was hospitalised on Friday and did not play against the Raiders. Smith said he will participate in the last padded workouts while in Oxnard, California, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
He ran a round of post-practice sprints with Micah Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa on Monday.
“Business as usual,” Smith replied.
Jordan Phillips and Carl Lawson, who recently joined the defensive line, had their first practice sessions on Monday.
Phillips played against the Raiders despite not having had a full session with the Cowboys since his trade from the New York Giants last week. He played in 10 snaps and was credited with one tackle.
He hopes to play three-technique in Mike Zimmer’s defence, despite being the team’s largest defensive tackle at 341 pounds.
“I do not care about statistics. People look at stats and think you have a fantastic game, but as long as your linebackers are All-Pro and Pro Bowlers, I’ve done my job for the year,” Phillips said. “They did not do it by themselves. I kept people away from them, and on the way there, I got some sacks and tackles.”
Lawson officially signed his contract Monday and participated in the walkthrough. He worked out for the Cowboys after Sam Williams sustained a season-ending knee injury in the first week of training camp, but the team instead signed Shaka Toney and Al-Quadin Muhammad. Lawson stated that he had other options but was pleased to return with run game coordinator Paul Guenther, who coached him with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Lawson appeared in only six games for the New York Jets last season and did not register a sack, due in part to a back injury. The Jets waived him during the summer.
Lawson, 29, claimed he has “a lot” left.
“Honestly, I feel like a younger player, man, because my potential I honestly feel hasn’t been reached due to injuries or situations or teams that I’ve been on that just haven’t clicked or quarterbacks playing, whether they’re hurt or just been in down offences,” Lawson went on. “So I’ve been a pretty successful pass rusher in this league, but for losing teams. I’m happy about the opportunity to play on a team that can win games so I can fully showcase my abilities, as well as finally getting back healthy.”
