The Dallas Cowboys will be without left guard Tyler Smith for a minimum of four weeks following surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that Smith has been managing this injury during training camp and will be placed on injured reserve with the possibility of returning after six weeks.
Smith, who was drafted 24th overall in 2022 and has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times, has played in 63 regular-season games and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023. Despite efforts to continue playing with protective gear, he made the decision to undergo surgery as his performance was impacted. Schottenheimer stated that Smith had been struggling to perform at his usual level.
In his absence, T.J. Bass, a 27-year-old undrafted free agent with 48 game appearances and 10 starts, will take over as the starting left guard. The Cowboys previously showed confidence in Bass by retaining him with a second-round restricted free agent tender.
Additionally, the team has added tight end James Mitchell to their practice squad, replacing Mitch Van Vooren, a veteran tight end who was waived after recently rejoining the team. As the Cowboys gear up for their season opener against the New York Giants on September 13, 2026, they will need to adapt to these changes.
