Two of NFL’s elite players could miss Packers-Cowboys clash

According to reports, Tyron Smith and Davante Adams will not be available on Sunday.

The Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys could be without two of the premier players in the NFL for Sunday’s showdown in Arlington, Texas.

According to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter, Packers receiver Davante Adams is “unlikely” to play after suffering a toe injury in the fourth quarter of Thursday’s game against Philadelphia. Meanwhile, CowboysSI.com was among those who reported All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith will miss at least Sunday’s game with an ankle injury.

Smith’s absence would be a huge loss for the Cowboys, especially against a Green Bay defense fueled by outside linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith. The Packers’ defense is sixth in the NFL in sack percentage; the Cowboys’ offense is third in the NFL in sack percentage allowed.

Cameron Fleming started three games for Smith last season and allowed 1.5 sacks and was penalized twice (zero for holding), according to STATS. A fourth-round pick by New England in 2014, he started 23 games in his first five seasons.

“Well, I think Cam Fleming has done a good job for us," Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Monday. “That's one of the reasons we went out and got him. He's a veteran player, an experienced player, and he's done a good job when he's had opportunities to play in this league.”

Similarly, losing Adams to turf toe would be an enormous loss for the Packers against a Cowboys defense that ranks 11th in opponent passer rating. In a 12-10 loss at New Orleans on Sunday night, star Saints receiver Michael Thomas caught all nine targeted passes from backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for 95 yards. All the other receivers combined for three catches for 19 yards.

Fellow receiver Allen Lazard said turf toe is “probably the worst injury” for a receiver. Lazard, though, said Adams could probably play through the injury, even though he wasn’t available for the two failed goal-to-go series that doomed the Packers vs. the Eagles.

“He’s a freak athlete,” Lazard said. “He’s a hard worker. His releases in general, he probably could do the same thing with one leg. Don’t be surprised if you see him out there Sunday.”

Before that happens, coach Matt LaFleur must weigh the pros and cons. Having Adams potentially would be an asset against a Dallas defense that ranks third in points allowed. On the other hand, playing Adams on Sunday probably would only delay his recovery.

“I think there’s a lot to it,” LaFleur said. “Obviously, (we’re) always taking into consideration the recommendations from our training staff. I feel like we have a great training staff, and if it’s something we feel like is going to nag throughout the course of the season, it’s sometimes better to give that player rest to get healthy or healthier so that it’s not such a nagging injury.”