Tyron Smith may not play this preseason.

The Pro Bowl left tackle hasn't played in the first two preseason games due to a stinger. Executive vice president Stephen Jones made it clear after the team's 41-14 victory over Miami that they will err on the side of caution when it comes to Smith in these final two preseason games.

"I think everybody understands he's going to be ready to go against the Giants,'' Jones said of the opener on Sept. 11. "If we feel like he's in the right spot to take a few series then we might look at it.

"But if we don't feel good about it we'll hold him out.''

Jones conceded the Cowboys talked long and hard about whether they wanted to play quarterback Tony Romo Friday night against the Dolphins since Smith wouldn't play. The determination was to play Romo and start Chaz Green at left tackle.

Green struggled in the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams but played better against the Dolphins.

"Tony was aware of the situation, and I thought Chaz did a nice job,'' Jones said. "At some point Chaz has to gain trust and there's no better way to do it than running with the first-team.

"I know it's a long year and it's rare that you play with the same five offensive linemen all year. We need to develop him and bring him along.''