At 3-1, the Cowboys have exceeded expectations. Their starting quarterback, Tony Romo, hasn't played in a game. Their star receiver, Dez Bryant, missed his first game with a hairline fracture in his knee. Their defense is lacking Rolando McClain, DeMarcus Lawrence (who will return this week), and Randy Gregory.

And yet, due to the steady play of rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, the constantly improving Ezekiel Elliott, and a defense that is actually ranked 10th in points allowed, the Cowboys are in the thick of the NFC East race.

More good news for the Cowboys: Rookie linebacker Jaylon Smith might actually play this season, at least according to team owner Jerry Jones. Appearing on 105.3 The Fan, a CBS Sports Radio station, Jones revealed that he still hasn't ruled out Smith making his debut this year.

"We are waiting," Jones said, according to the Star-Telegram. "He's in great shape, great rehab shape with his knee. So we're just trying to hope that he wakes up a nerve, a nerve re-firing or a regeneration of a nerve, is just that. It's like a foot that's gone to sleep and shaking it till it wakes up is how I picture it to some degree.

"I'm not ruling out the fact that he could get on the field this year."

A day ago, Smith posted an optimistic message to his Twitter account, though it's unknown if that message related to his knee.

Oh Lord, Thankyou🙏🏾 — Jaylon Smith (@thejaylonsmith) October 3, 2016

Smith, a second rounder, probably would've been a top-10 pick if not for a devastating knee injury, which he suffered during Notre Dame's bowl game in January. He tore both his ACL and MCL in addition to damaging the nerve in his knee.

When the Cowboys drafted him, they knew there was a chance he wouldn't play this season. Even if he doesn't, the decision to draft him will work out if he develops into his top-10 potential. But if he can make it back this season with the Cowboys in the hunt for a playoff spot (and with Romo potentially returning), that would be an added bonus.

According to the Star-Telegram, Smith is eligible to practice on Oct. 17. By Nov. 28, the Cowboys have to decide if they want to place him on the 53-man roster.

For that to happen, that knee of his will need to wake up.