The Dallas Cowboys have had an exciting preseason, highlighted by Brandon Aubrey’s amazing field goal and contract talks with CeeDee Lamb. On Monday, Mike McCarthy gave the team a positive report on former first-round pick Mazi Smith.
According to Jon Machota of The Athletic, McCarthy stated that Smith’s situation is improving.
“Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said DT Mazi Smith has “progressed through his condition” with an allergic reaction. “He will take part in the mock game today,” Machota wrote on X.
Cowboys DT Mazi Smith missed a preseason game.
During the third quarter at AT&T Stadium, Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) rushes the passer while being blocked by New York Jets guard Laken Tomlinson (78).
Smith did not play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders due to an allergic reaction that occurred on the team bus, according to reports. Smith, the Cowboys’ first-round choice in 2023, made an impressive preseason debut against the Los Angeles Rams. McCarthy and the Cowboys hope him to rebound from a difficult 2023 debut.
According to espn.com, Smith expressed difficulty dealing with the outcome of 2023.
“Last year was hard for me,” Smith admitted. “I always hold myself to a specific standard. Always.”
However, he stated that he is prepared to make an impact in 2024, playing a more traditional defensive tackle role in Mike Zimmer’s defence. Smith was draughted by the Cowboys for his run-stuffing skills, but it did not translate to Dan Quinn’s scheme. He also had a shoulder injury.
McCarthy stated that Smith has worked hard to put himself in a better position to play in 2024.
“Trust me, no one’s put more pressure on himself than Mazi has just, based off what he went through last year,” explained McCarthy. “And I simply think, like anything, you can’t overreact to players’ injuries. It is different. He is getting to where he needs to be. “He’s close.”
Teammate Micah Parsons, whose position will also alter under Zimmer coming season, is one of the Cowboys who expects Smith to be a more dominant force.
“It’s not what I think he can be, it’s what Mazi has to be,” Parsons joked. “When you get to this business, there is no longer a ‘choose’ or a ‘can.’ Either you will or you will not. If you are unable to do the task, they will normally seek assistance from another person. It’s what Mazi must be. He needs to be dominant. “He needs to be that guy for us.”
Dallas signed veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips from the New York Giants this week, but Smith remains the starter at left defensive tackle.
