The Dallas Cowboys are in Week 3 of the first training camp under Brian Schottenheimer. Things have been all over the place thus far, with Micah Parsons' trade request taking over the headlines.
Despite that being a major talking point, practices are still taking place, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith is dealing with some knee soreness and underwent an MRI on Monday, per Calvin Watkins.
Mazi Smith underwent MRI yesterday and has knee soreness a person with knowledge of the health of the team said.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 5, 2025
Cowboys DT Mazi Smith Had MRI for Knee Soreness
After two massively underwhelming seasons, this is a huge season for Smith if he wants any type of future in Dallas. His summer thus far has been up and down, but with a new scheme being brought in under Matt Eberflus, every practice and rep is critical for Smith.
The Cowboys used the 26th overall pick on Smith in the 2023 NFL draft, and he hasn't lived up to those expectations in the slightest. Despite suiting up in 34 games (20 starts), he has 54 total tackles, seven TFLs, six QB hits, and just two sacks.
Mazi Smith 2023 PFF Grade | Mazi Smith 2024 PFF Grade |
|---|---|
Overall Grade: 49.8 | Overall Grade: 34.8 |
Pass Rush Grade: 70.3 | Pass Rush Grade: 49.6 |
Run Defense Grade: 34.9 | Run Defense Grade: 35.9 |
Those numbers are so disappointing, considering that high selection Dallas used to bring him into town. Osa Odighizuwa is the DT1 for this defense, but Smith plays the role of the run stuffer on early downs for this defense.
The hope would be that going into his third season, he could take that jump needed to be an effective force, but to do that, he needs to be on the field. The results of the MRI await, and there's a chance that he avoided anything serious.
While the results are yet to come, the fact that Smith had to get off the practice field isn't a good sign. His absence will open up reps for the taking, so guys like Jay Toia, Denzel Daxon, Solomon Thomas, Perrion Winfrey, and Tommy Akingbesote will have the opportunity to showcase what they are about.
Thomas is likely the leader in that department, considering he already has a relationship with defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton from their time together with the New York Jets.
Time will tell how significant this injury actually is, but Smith has to be hoping things aren't bad and he's able to return to the field sooner rather than later. If not, his time in Dallas could come to an end before anything got off the ground.