The Dallas Cowboys didn't take a chance on linebacker Jaylon Smith early in the second round of the draft with the expectation Smith will need a redshirt season.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Thursday on 105.3 The Fan that the team will not place Smith on IR as a rookie, according to Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News.

Smith tore his ACL and LCL in January's Fiesta Bowl and reports suggest he could miss the entire 2016 season.

Jones indicated the Cowboys are hopeful Smith will be able to contribute to the Cowboys late in the season or in the playoffs.

While Jones may prove overly optimistic, there's certainly no reason for the Cowboys to make any firm decision about Smith's roster status until late in the summer.