Key piece of Dallas Cowboys’ offense won’t play tonight

Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith will not play against the New Orleans Saints Thursday night.

A source confirmed the news, which was expected. Smith missed last week’s game against the Washington Redskins and did not practice this week. He suffered a neck stinger against the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 18.

Veteran Cameron Fleming is expected to make his second consecutive start at left tackle.

Fleming was signed to a one-year deal in March as a backup to Smith. Smith missed three games because of injury in each of the previous two seasons.

Smith is also dealing with a left elbow injury, according to coach Jason Garrett. Smith downplayed an elbow injury. Fleming started 20 games from 2014-17 for the New England Patriots.

Rookie Connor Williams will serve as a backup guard and tackle. Williams lost his starting guard spot to Xavier Su’a-Filo after a knee injury a month ago. Williams played left tackle at the University of Texas.