forced him to split time between the defensive and offensive lines. In the fifth week against the Denver Broncos, he led the defensive line with six tackles while replacing an injured Randy White. In the next game, he was named the starting left tackle against the Washington Redskins and remained there for the rest of the season. In 1987, he was progressing through his second season as the starting left tackle, when he sustained a left knee injury in the Thanksgiving game against the Minnesota Vikings, losing the last month on the injured reserve list. The next year he reinjured the same knee early in the season, but still saw action in 5 games before being put on injured reserve. In 1989, he didn't miss a play in a game or a practice. In 1990, during a season that experienced a number of players being juggled around the offensive line, Tuinei remained a solid foundation at left tackle, by starting all 13 games he played, and missing 3 contests with a sprained right knee he suffered against the New York Jets. In 1991, he suffered a groin injury that forced him to miss 4 games, returning to the starting lineup against the Houston Oilers, to help Emmitt Smith lead the NFL in rushing. In 1992, he started the first 5 games, but injured his back lifting weights in the week leading up to the Kansas City Chiefs contest. He was forced to sit out the game, but was able to return against the Los Angeles Raiders, contributing to Smith earning his second consecutive NFL rushing championship. In 1994, he suffered back spasms in the first quarter against the Washington Redskins, that required him to spend 2 nights in the hospital and miss the Arizona Cardinals game. He returned to the starting lineup against the Philadelphia Eagles. He helped the offensive line establish a new franchise record by allowing 20 sacks in a season, while being elected for his first Pro Bowl. In 1995, he contributed to Smith winning his fourth rushing title, score an NFL record 25 rushing touchdowns and gain a club record 1,773 rushing yards. He received his second selection to the Pro Bowl, as part of a line that broke the team record by allowing just 18 sacks in a season. The next year suffered a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee in a preseason