ARLINGTON, Texas – For just the second time in his career, Tyron Smith will sit out of a Cowboys game.
Smith, the franchise's All-Pro left tackle, was a late addition to the Cowboys' injury report this week, as he was limited on Friday with a back problem. The injury was apparently severe enough to merit sitting him down for Sunday's game against the Bears, as he headlined the list of pregame inactives.
He'll be replaced in the starting lineup by second-year tackle Chaz Green, who worked extensively at both right and left tackle during the preseason.
Smith was joined by Tony Romo, Orlando Scandrick, Darius Jackson, Kavon Frazier, Mark Nzeocha and Charles Tapper on the Week 3 inactives list.
Scandrick was expected to be the headliner on this list, as he was considered a gametime decision with a pair of hamstring injuries that hampered his ability to practice all week. The veteran cornerback worked out with team athletic trainers on Sunday evening before warmups, but he ultimately wasn't cleared to play.
With Scandrick officially ruled out, it will fall to rookie cornerback Anthony Brown to help fill the void. Brown is expected to handle nickel back duties. The Cowboys could also turn to Byron Jones to help out at cornerback if need be.
Romo, Nzeocha and Tapper are on the inactives list for the third-straight week, as all three players continue to cope with their various injury issues from the preseason. Jackson and Frazier are also inactive for the third-straight week – although they are healthy scratches.
As expected, the Bears also ruled out Jay Cutler for Sunday night's game. Cutler suffered a sprained thumb in Chicago's Week 2 loss to Philadelphia and didn't practice all week. He'll be replaced in the starting lineup by backup Brian Hoyer.
The Bears' other six inactives are Kyle Fuller, Ka'Deem Carey, Bryce Callahan, Danny Trevathan, Eric Kush and Eddie Goldman.
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