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Falcons Cowboys inactives: Dallas without left tackle Tyron Smith

The Falcons luck out by meeting the Cowboys without one of their very best players.

NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Atlanta Falcons Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

For the Falcons, we already knew the big names from earlier this week with Kendall Sheffield already ruled out. The good news is Jake Matthews is good to go, but that was expected.

There are two disappointing names on the inactives: Marlon Davidson has yet to make his NFL debut. We definitely want to see how the defense will look with the second-round tackle. Qadree Ollison remains a healthy scratch. He has no role on this offense without some injuries.

Smith’s injury exacerbates an even bigger problem for Dallas. Their starting RT La’el Collins and backup OT Cam Irving are also out, with UDFA Terence Steele expected to start at right tackle. This line looks nothing like it did a few years ago, especially in light of Travis Frederick retiring in the offseason.

This line should be a mess, making things easier for a pass rush that shined through the early part of last Sunday’s game. Dak Prescott has some foot speed, but he can’t evade pressure like Russell Wilson. That should make things easy for the Falcons defense, who can keep up the pressure and force Dallas to rely on the run game.