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Todd Archer of ESPN.com noted the starter was on the sideline with an ice pack on his knee during the fourth quarter. He did not return to the field.
Head coach Jason Garrett commented on the injury after the game, per Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News:
While the Cowboys came into Week 16 having locked up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, they chose to keep their starters on the field against the Lions. Losing a valuable player like Smith could be devastating for the team's hopes in the postseason.
Smith missed the Cowboys' wins over the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers in Weeks 3 and 4, respectively, because of a back injury, but he returned Oct. 9 and has held down rookie quarterback Dak Prescott's blind side since.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Smith has solidified himself as one of the league's premier left tackles thanks to his ability to clobber opponents as a pass protector or run-blocker.
"When Smith is on, there's little question he's the best in the business," Bleacher Report's Doug Farrar wrote.
Backup left tackle Chaz Green served as Smith's replacement earlier in the season, but the team placed him on injured reserve with a back injury earlier in December. Emmett Cleary filled in at left tackle during the final two drives Monday and would likely remain in that role if Smith misses more time.
Dallas' offensive line is the strongest in the NFL. The Cowboys may be more inclined to run off the right tackle following Smith's injury, but they should thrive if he can return to the field before their first playoff contest.
Read more Dallas Cowboys news on BleacherReport.com
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