On the Dallas Cowboys' final drive against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, one of the best offensive linemen in the game in Tyron Smith had to be helped off of the field with what looked like a significant ankle injury.

The medical diagnosis for Smith painted a much more optimistic picture compared to what it looked like on TV, however, as Smith's high ankle injury is going to be a week-to-week issue rather than a season-altering (or ending) one.

The former USC Trojan has done nothing but star for the Cowboys for the last decade, making the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams six times, including two first-team selections. Smith's road-grading and nimble feet have helped open up cavernous holes for Ezekiel Elliott and keep Dak Prescott upright in the pocket.

Even though it was just for one drive, anyone with two working eyes can see that the gap between Smith and Cameron Fleming, the former New England Patriot who would likely slide in at left tackle if the star man misses some time, is like the Grand Canyon.

For all the talk of Dak, Zeke, and Amari Cooper, No. 77 is a foundational piece of this team, and any game in which he isn't playing is suddenly a tougher one.