The Dallas Cowboys are set to face a challenge as left guard Tyler Smith will be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks due to surgery on a torn ligament in his left thumb. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that Smith has been managing this injury throughout training camp and will be placed on injured reserve designated to return.
Recovery could take up to six weeks.
Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl player and the 24th pick in the 2022 draft, has started 63 regular-season games and earned a second-team All-Pro recognition in 2023. Although he attempted to play through the injury, his performance suffered, leading to the decision for surgery. Schottenheimer remarked, "It's something that's he's been dealing with.
It's just felt like he couldn't do at a high level. It's a long season."
In Smith's 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 retained Bass with a second-round restricted free agent tender, showcasing their trust in his abilities.
