The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for the upcoming season with a notable adjustment, as left guard Tyler Smith will be out for at least 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 during training camp and will be placed on injured reserve, with a possible recovery timeline of up to six weeks.
Smith, who was selected 24th overall in the 2022 draft and has been named a three-time Pro Bowl player, has started 63 regular-season games. He received recognition as a second-team All-Pro in 2023. Despite trying to play through the injury with protective gear, he ultimately decided on surgery when it affected his performance.
Schottenheimer remarked on Smith’s struggle to perform at a high level throughout this period.
In light of Smith's injury, 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 had previously shown confidence in Bass by retaining him with a second-round restricted free agent tender.
