Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith was unable to travel with the team to their preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders due to an allergic reaction. The team announced this news shortly before the game, with Smith receiving treatment and being reevaluated before his game status was updated. Smith, drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, had a relatively uneventful rookie season but is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming season.
Smith, a Michigan native who attended the University of Michigan, started only three games in his rookie season but played in all 17. He recorded 13 total tackles, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and one sack. Despite his individual efforts, the Cowboys were unable to advance past the Wild Card round of the playoffs, losing to the Green Bay Packers. Now, Smith is preparing for his second NFL season and is expected to play a vital role on defense under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
Zimmer has a plan for Smith to move from the 3-technique position and play more of the blocks in the new defensive scheme. He emphasized the importance of Smith maintaining his weight and playing a different role to fit the team’s needs. Smith, who struggled with weight loss upon joining the Cowboys, is looking forward to the challenge and is focused on making a name for himself in the upcoming season. With less than three weeks until the start of the regular season, Smith is expected to be ready to contribute to the team’s success.
The Cowboys will face the Las Vegas Raiders in their second preseason game, with Smith’s absence likely to be felt on the defensive line. The team left open the possibility of Smith joining them after his medical issue at training camp, but the focus remains on his recovery and readiness for the regular season. Despite his limited impact in his rookie season, Smith has the potential to make a significant impact going forward, especially with the changes in defensive scheme under Zimmer’s leadership.
As he looks to overcome the setback of the allergic reaction and return to full strength, Smith remains committed to improving his game and helping the Cowboys achieve success in the upcoming season. With a new role in the defense and high expectations from the coaching staff, Smith is poised to showcase his talents and prove his worth as a key player for the team. Fans will be eagerly anticipating his return and hoping for a strong performance from him as the Cowboys gear up for the start of the regular season.
