FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys announced that Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith will be placed on injured reserve and miss at least the first month of the 2026 NFL season. Smith suffered ligament damage to his left thumb during training camp and will undergo surgery on Tuesday.
Injury details and timeline
Coach Brian Schottenheimer explained that the thumb injury required immediate attention. “We can’t pinpoint when it happened, but the best thing is to get in front of this,” he said. “It’s a long season, so let’s get this fixed.” The surgery is expected to sideline Smith for four to six weeks, meaning he will be unavailable for the season opener against the New York Giants and the following three games.
Impact on the offensive line
Smith, a three‑time Pro Bowler, has been a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offensive front since being drafted in the first round in 2022. His absence creates a gap at left guard, a position that relies heavily on grip strength and hand placement – both compromised by a thumb injury.
“When you’re an offensive lineman, grip strength and things like that are really important,” Schottenheimer added. “We know he’s a quick healer, but we have to give him the time he needs to be fully ready.”
Who will fill in?
Veteran T.J. Bass, a fourth‑year player with ten career starts, will step in as the immediate replacement. The Cowboys recently re‑signed Bass as a restricted free agent on a one‑year, $5.8 million contract, giving the team a reliable backup who can handle the duties of a starting guard.
While Bass is expected to start in the short term, the coaching staff will evaluate Smith’s progress after surgery. The earliest possible return is Week 5 against Tampa Bay, though the Thursday night game that week shortens the recovery window. A more realistic debut for Smith is projected for the October 18 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Broader line concerns
Smith’s injury adds to a series of questions the Cowboys have faced this summer regarding the offensive line. At right tackle, a competition is underway between veteran Terence Steele and recent acquisition Broderick Jones, who arrived from Pittsburgh in late August. The coaching staff will continue to assess depth and performance as the season approaches.
Despite the setback, the Cowboys remain optimistic. The team’s depth at the line, combined with the experience of players like Bass, gives Coach Schottenheimer confidence that the unit can stay competitive while Smith recovers.
Looking ahead
Fans can expect the Cowboys to rely on a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent as the season gets underway. The organization’s focus on health and preparation underscores its commitment to fielding a strong, resilient offensive line throughout the demanding NFL schedule.
Original reporting: Fort Worth, TX Sports (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
